Naturally Madame de Beaulieu was a great laugher, and the contracted features and the angry frown of Madame Girard, whose brows looked very gloomy beneath her _casquette à plumes_, gave her so burlesque an appearance, that the sister-in-law of Madame de Luceval could hardly restrain her mirth. "No doubt this Girard, when she leaves the theatre, will be ready to represent Poland in a patriotic, fantastic, and allegorical ball," said M. de Beaulieu. "But, my dear Emilie," remarked Madame de Beaulieu, repressing her desire to laugh, "what has your wager to do with that adorable head-dress?" "Nothing sooner explained;" said Madame de Luceval; "I cannot have a _coiffure_ without being instantly imitated, or rather parodied, by this Madame Girard. This annoyed me so, that I betted with Alfred, that I would devise a head-dress the most ridiculous possible, which Mademoiselle Barenne should shew secretly to Madame Girard, as intended for me, and that Madame Girard should beg and pray of her to make her the fellow to it. I invented the _sobieska_, and Mademoiselle Barenne joined in the conspiracy. Now you see Madame Girard decorated with the _sobieska_. I have gained my wager, and my dear brother owes me an ornament of real flowers." "Capitally managed, really; and as the piece has not begun," said M. de Beaulieu, "I will go and spread about this little malicious manoeuvre, in order to double the effect of Madame Girard's _sobieska_." "But do you know," replied Madame de Luceval, "that there is a very lovely person in the box of that absurd Girard? Alfred, try and discover who she may be." "Really," said Madame de Beaulieu, looking attentively at Bertha, "she is remarkably pretty, and dressed in such simple but good taste. What a contrast with the _sobieska_! I cannot understand why every body does not like simplicity, and consequently good taste. It is so convenient, and people are obliged to give themselves unending trouble to be ridiculous." "Do you say that _à propos_ of M. de Gercourt and his comedy, my dear Alix?" "Wicked woman!--One of your friends--one of your old adorers." "It would have been so easy for him not to have written this play." "But at least better wait and see in order to decide." "By no means; for then I should speak with prejudice, whilst now my judgment is much more independent." "Giddy pate that you are; and you encouraged M. de Gercourt in his attempt." "It is such a pleasing office to have to console one's friends in their misfortune." "You are something like those persons who, at the risk of drowning you, throw you in the water to have the pleasure of saving you." "Your comparison is not just, my dear Alix; for I could not save the comedy of poor M. de Gercourt." "Emilie, Emilie, take care," said Madame de Beaulieu, with a smile; "M. de Gercourt has long admired you. You will have us believe that you are a little spiteful, and----"