"Why, I should think about--well, we should want a month for the rehearsals, with two a week. We could fix the days and the time that would suit Noemi." Renee turned towards Noemi, who remained silent. "Very well, then," said Mme. Bourjot, "let us say Monday and Friday at two o'clock, if that will suit you--shall we?" And turning to the governess she continued: "Mlle. Gogois, you will accompany Noemi. M. Bourjot--you hear--will you give orders for the horses and carriage and the footman to take them to Briche? You can keep Terror for me, and Jean. There, that's all settled. Now, then, you will stay and dine with us, won't you?" "Oh! we should like to very much; but it is quite impossible. We have some people coming to us to-day," answered Mme. Mauperin. "Oh, dear, how tiresome of them to come to-day! But I don't think you have seen my husband's new conservatories. I'll make you a bouquet, Renee. We have a flower--there are only two of them anywhere, and the other is at Ferrieres--it's a--it's very ugly anyhow--this way." "Suppose we were to go in here," said M. Bourjot, pointing to the billiard-room, which could be seen through the glass door. "M. Henri, we'll leave you with the ladies. We can smoke here," added M. Bourjot, offering a _cabanas_ to M. Mauperin. "Shall we have cannoning?" "Yes," replied M. Mauperin. M. Bourjot closed the pockets of the billiard-table. "Twenty-four?" "Yes, twenty-four." "Have you billiards at home, M. Mauperin?" "No, I haven't. My son doesn't play." "Are you looking for the chalk?" "Thanks. And as my wife doesn't think it a suitable game for girls----" "It's your turn." "Oh! I'm quite out of practice--I always was a duffer at it though."