There are seats for six sous, four sous, and some for two sous, for the convenience of the public. MADAME PLAYS. But, Monsieur Tobie, really I was very far from expecting this! My heart does not give itself so quickly; and to win it---- THE SHOWMAN. Military men are admitted for half-price, and may keep on their spurs. TOBIE. Ah! if it were necessary to love you like Orlando Furioso, I am capable of it. My love is boundless. THE SHOWMAN. It is a wonderful, astounding, miraculous exhibition. MADAME PLAYS. But how long have you loved me? It seems to have taken you all of a sudden! I can hardly credit it. Pray, what is there about me that attracts you so? THE SHOWMAN. Curiosities such as were never seen in any part of the world. TOBIE. What is there about you, madame! You ask me that? Why, in my eyes, you are a divinity! THE SHOWMAN. An ostrich with a neck as long as a giraffe, who shows his tongue when you don't ask him to. MADAME PLAYS. Hush! you say as much to many other women, I am sure. Tell me, Monsieur Pigeonnier, how many mistresses have you? THE SHOWMAN. Three panthers, which perform all sorts of tricks. TOBIE. Mistresses! I have none! and if I had the good fortune to please you, you would be to me---- THE SHOWMAN. A real camel, which is absolutely tireless, and stays on its back whole days at a time. MADAME PLAYS. Mon Dieu! how tiresome that man is! hasn't he nearly done? (_She nibbles a biscuit._) THE SHOWMAN. This is the hour for feeding the animals. TOBIE. Oh! let me kiss that soft, white hand, let me caress that shapely arm. THE SHOWMAN. This is the hour when the male camel plays all sorts of tricks on his mate. MADAME PLAYS. That clown sets my nerves on edge. What an idea to bring me here! Albert isn't very considerate in his choice of a rendezvous. Oh! Monsieur Pigeonnier, stop that; I won't allow you to touch my knees in that way. THE SHOWMAN. Buy your tickets! TOBIE (_trying to put his arm round Madame Plays's waist_). What a graceful figure; you remind me of Venus. THE SHOWMAN. There is still room inside; if you are pleased with the show, tell all your friends and acquaintances. MADAME PLAYS. Well, well! what are you doing, Monsieur Tobie? such presumption! THE SHOWMAN. The curtain will rise in a moment, and you will see what you will see! At this point, Madame Plays rose with an impatient gesture, crying: "Oh! I cannot stand it any longer! such things as that clown says! they are too hateful to listen to!" "He has finished; yes, he certainly has finished his announcement; that noise means that the people are going into the booth." The booming of a bass-drum and several blasts of a bugle followed the conclusion of the showman's speech. A few greenhorns and idlers entered the booth; but most of the spectators walked away, being well aware that what one sees at the door of such spectacles is always much more amusing than the exhibition inside.