Yes, if other people liked it, there was no
use in pretending it would not count.
"If I am going to earn my living," she thought, with entire
gravity, "it may be good for me. If I am a governess, it will be
useful because children like pretty people. And if I am a secretary
and work in an office, I daresay men like one to be pretty because
it is more cheerful."
She mentioned this to Mademoiselle Valle, who was very kind about
it, though she looked thoughtful afterwards. When, a few days later,
Mademoiselle had an interview with Coombe in Benby's comfortable
room, he appeared thoughtful also as he listened to her recital
of the incidents of the long walk during which her charge had
revealed her future plans.
"She is a nice child," he said. "I wish she did not dislike me
so much. I understand her, villain as she thinks me. I am not a
genuine villain," he added, with his cold smile. But he was saying
it to himself, not to Mademoiselle.
This, she saw, but--singularly, perhaps--she spoke as if in reply.
"Of that I am aware."
He turned his head slightly, with a quick, unprepared movement.
"Yes?" he said.
"Would your lordship pardon me if I should say that otherwise I
should not ask your advice concerning a very young girl?"
He slightly waved his hand.
"I should have known that--if I had thought of it. I do know it."
Mademoiselle Valle bowed.
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