Monsieur de Mardeille escorted Georgette to the Ambigu-Comique. He tried to take her to a small, dark box, but she refused to enter it, and he was obliged to take a seat in the balcony with her. There it was impossible to take the slightest liberty! As some consolation, our gallant kept trying to whisper words of love in the girl's ear, but she soon said to him impatiently: "Please be kind enough not to keep talking to me! You prevent me from hearing the play, and I suppose that is what people go to the theatre for." Monsieur de Mardeille bit his lip and said to himself: "There's nothing so idiotic as these girls who have never been to the theatre! I won't bring you very often, I can tell you!" The play amused Georgette immensely, but was exceedingly tedious to her escort, who was overjoyed when it came to an end. He suggested returning home in a cab; but the girl refused, she was absolutely determined to go on foot. "But it's beginning to rain!" said Monsieur de Mardeille. "Well, it will cool us off!" "But your new bonnet--won't the rain fade it and ruin it?" "What a terrible misfortune, if it is spoiled! There are other bonnets in the milliners' shops!" "I wonder if she thinks I am going to buy her one every day!" thought her companion, with difficulty restraining an outburst of temper; for he was obliged to return on foot, while Georgette, leaning on his arm, talked of nothing but the play and the actors she had seen. They reached home at last. Monsieur de Mardeille had impatiently awaited that moment. He flattered himself that it would mark his final triumph. They entered the house in which they both lived. In front of the concierge's lodge, which was at the foot of Monsieur de Mardeille's staircase, Georgette stopped and said, with a graceful courtesy: "Bonsoir, monsieur! a thousand thanks for the pleasure you have given me by taking me to the play." "What's that? Bonsoir?" cried Mardeille, with a smile. "But I am not going to bed yet; and you will allow me to come up and chat a moment with you, will you not?" "Oh! no, monsieur! for I am going to bed, and this is no time for conversation." "Going to bed? What difference does that make? I won't prevent you; indeed, I shall be too happy to assist you in making your _toilette de nuit_." "I don't need anyone to assist me. If I did, I wouldn't resort to a man for that purpose. Bonsoir, monsieur!" "Oh! I say--this is a jest! Surely, my charming neighbor, you don't mean that you won't receive me in your room a moment?" "To-morrow, monsieur, to-morrow during the day, I shall be greatly flattered to receive a call from you, if you choose to come; but at this time of night it would be very improper." With that, Georgette nodded and ran across the courtyard to her own staircase, leaving Monsieur de Mardeille, utterly taken aback, in front of the concierge's door. He was nonplussed by the girl's conduct.