"Will you permit me," said Madame de Tecle, "to give to my daughter a few orders in English, which we are translating? You are too warm--do not run any more. Tell Rosa to prepare my bodice with the small buttons. While I am dressing, you may say your catechism to me." "Yes, mother." "Have you written your exercise?" "Yes, mother. How do you say 'joli' in English for a man?" asked the little girl. "Why?" "That question is in my exercise, to be said of a man who is 'beau, joli, distingue.'" "Handsome, nice, and charming," replied her mother. "Very well, mother, this gentleman, our neighbor, is altogether handsome, nice, and charming." "Silly child!" exclaimed Madame de Tecle, while the little girl rushed down the steps. M. de Camors, who had listened to this dialogue with cool calmness, rose. "I thank you again, Madame," he said; "and will you now excuse me? You will allow me, from time to time, to confide in you my political hopes and fears?" "Certainly, Monsieur." He bowed and retired. As he was crossing the courtyard, he found himself face to face with Mademoiselle Marie. He gave her a most respectful bow. "Another time, Miss Mary, be more careful. I understand English perfectly well!" Mademoiselle Marie remained in the same attitude, blushed up to the roots of her hair, and cast on M. de Camors a startled look of mingled shame and anger. "You are not satisfied, Miss Mary," continued Camors. "Not at all," said the child, quickly, her strong voice somewhat husky. M. Camors laughed, bowed again, and departed, leaving Mademoiselle Marie in the midst of the court, transfixed with indignation. A few moments later Marie threw herself into the arms of her mother, weeping bitterly, and told her, through her tears, of her cruel mishap. Madame de Tecle, in using this opportunity of giving her daughter a lesson on reserve and on convenance, avoided treating the matter too seriously and even seemed to laugh heartily at it, although she had little inclination to do so, and the child finished by laughing with her.