"Besides, my lantern is a moral and respectable show, and I don't propose to have it used for----" "I say! stop that, or I'll cut out your tongue!" The soldier put his hand to his sword; the crowd instantly made a backward movement, the girl clung to her friend's arm, and Mère Trousquin pulled her husband out of range, taking the stool for a buckler. The two adversaries measured each other with their eyes for several minutes, without moving. The soldier gave no sign of paying, and Père Trousquin did not seem to be in a mood to let him go away until he had remunerated him for his losses. Thereupon I concluded that there was but one way to adjust the affair without bloodshed. The magic lantern episode had amused me, and had entirely dispelled my ill humor; it was no more than fair that I should act as mediator in the dispute. I alone had remained near the combatants; for the bystanders held themselves respectfully aloof from the sword and the stool. I felt in my pocket and took out two five-franc pieces, which I tossed upon the damaged lantern. "There," said I to the proprietor, "is the means to restore your palaces and your planets; but take my advice, and another time don't fasten your curtain so closely round your audience. Children's theatres are frequented now by people of all ages; if you don't believe me, ask Séraphin, who receives _petite-maîtresses_ at his show, because of the darkness in the hall during his arabesque fires." Père Trousquin stared with all his eyes; his wife pounced on the two coins, and the soldier was allowed to go his way with his companion; which he did not do without bowing to me most respectfully. I too walked away, and turned into Rue de Rivoli. I looked at my watch; it was only nine o'clock, and I have never been fond of going to bed early, especially when I am in the mood for amusing myself. As the scene of the magic lantern had put me in that mood, I determined to encourage such a desirable disposition. How was I to amuse myself? There are thousands of ways in Paris, you will say; but, in the matter of pleasure, you must never promise yourself too much, if you wish to have a little. In a large assembly, for six agreeable people you will find twenty bores; in a small party, your friends may have business affairs that annoy them; the ladies, sick headaches or the vapors; and you often pass a very dull hour where you looked forward to much entertainment. The wisest plan, therefore, is not to count upon anything. But I remembered that there was a grand fête at Tivoli. It was nine o'clock; if I took a cab, I should arrive just at the height of the evening. IX TIVOLI