Indeed, I felt the whole state of my mind in reference to her to be weak and unreasonable, and I remonstrated with myself about it as much as I could.
One incident that occurred before we quitted Mr. Boythorn's house, I had better mention in this place.
I was walking in the garden with Ada and when I was told that some one wished to see me.
Going into the breakfast-room where this person was waiting, I found it to be the French maid who had cast off her shoes and walked through the wet grass on the day when it thundered and lightened.
"Mademoiselle," she began, looking fixedly at me with her too-eager eyes, though otherwise presenting an agreeable appearance and speaking neither with boldness nor servility, "I have taken a great liberty in coming here, but you know how to excuse it, being so amiable, mademoiselle."
"No excuse is necessary," I returned, "if you wish to speak to me."
"That is my desire, mademoiselle.
A thousand thanks for the permission.
I have your leave to speak. Is it not?" she said in a quick, natural way.
"Certainly," said I.
"Mademoiselle, you are so amiable!
Listen then, if you please.
I have left my Lady.
We could not agree. My Lady is so high, so very high.
Pardon!
Mademoiselle, you are right!"
Her quickness anticipated what I might have said presently but as yet had only thought.
"It is not for me to come here to complain of my Lady.
But I say she is so high, so very high.
I will not say a word more.
All the world knows that."
"Go on, if you please," said I.
"Assuredly; mademoiselle, I am thankful for your politeness.
Mademoiselle, I have an inexpressible desire to find service with a young lady who is good, accomplished, beautiful.
You are good, accomplished, and beautiful as an angel.
Ah, could I have the honour of being your domestic!"
"I am sorry--" I began.
"Do not dismiss me so soon, mademoiselle!" she said with an involuntary contraction of her fine black eyebrows.
"Let me hope a moment!
Mademoiselle, I know this service would be more retired than that which I have quitted.
Well!
I wish that.
I know this service would be less distinguished than that which I have quitted.
Well!
I wish that, I know that I should win less, as to wages here.
Good.
I am content."
"I assure you," said I, quite embarrassed by the mere idea of having such an attendant, "that I keep no maid--"
"Ah, mademoiselle, but why not?
Why not, when you can have one so devoted to you! Who would be enchanted to serve you; who would be so true, so zealous, and so faithful every day!
Mademoiselle, I wish with all my heart to serve you.
Do not speak of money at present.
Take me as I am.
For nothing!"
She was so singularly earnest that I drew back, almost afraid of her.
Without appearing to notice it, in her ardour she still pressed herself upon me, speaking in a rapid subdued voice, though always with a certain grace and propriety.
"Mademoiselle, I come from the South country where we are quick and where we like and dislike very strong.
My Lady was too high for me; I was too high for her.
It is done--past--finished!
Receive me as your domestic, and I will serve you well.