Now what piece of wisdom applies?'
Selina, flattered at being applied to, thought a moment, then raised
her head triumphantly--
'"Half a loaf is better than none,"' she announced, with a sour
smile.
'Mademoiselle,' said Vandeloup, gravely regarding her as he stood at
the door, 'your wisdom is only equalled by your charming
appearance,' and with an ironical bow he went out.
Selina paused a moment in her occupation of polishing spoons, and
looked after him, doubtful as to whether he was in jest or earnest.
Being unable to decide, she resumed her work with a stifled chuckle,
and consoled herself with a proverb.
'To be good is better than to be beautiful,' which saying, as
everyone knows, is most consoling to plain-looking people.
The great nugget was carefully packed in a stout wooden box by
Archie, and placed in the trap by him with such caution that Madame,
who was already seated in it, asked him if he was afraid she would
be robbed.
'It's always best to be on the richt side, mem,' said Archie,
handing her the reins; 'we dinna ken what may happen.'
'Why, no one knows I am taking this to Ballarat to-day,' said
Madame, drawing on her gloves.
'Don't they?' thought M. Vandeloup, as he took his seat beside her.
'She doesn't know that I've told Pierre.'
And without a single thought for the woman whose confidence he was
betraying, and of whose bread and salt he had partaken, Vandeloup
shook the reins, and the horse started down the road in the
direction of Ballarat, carrying Madame Midas and her nugget.
Pages:
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110