"I entered with that grace which characterizes me; I bowed first to an old woman who was on the right, and afterwards bowed to two young girls who were on the left. In the middle of the shop I saw nobody but a cat sleeping on a stool." "No doubt you bowed to the cat also." "Oh, if you interrupt me I shall get all mixed up. They asked me what I wanted; I answered, dissembling my designs, 'Let me see some ribbons.' They showed me some reds, some blues, some greens, some yellows, some oranges; during this time I examined the two little ones. As nature has endowed me with a penetrating eye, I recognized immediately the one you depicted for me." "You spoke to her?" "A moment and you shall see how I conducted the matter. I was sufficiently adroit to get her to serve me. She asked me what color I had decided upon; but I, with careful cunning, did not decide in order that I might prolong the conversation. At last, by a happy chance, some other people came into the shop; then we were less observed." "And you told her what had brought you there?" "I decided first for a gold color, and I got her to make a rosette for Rolande. Wait; don't you think this becomes me well?" So saying, Chaudoreille rose and put his sword near Touquet's face, who pushed the chevalier rather brusquely into his seat, exclaiming,-- "If I didn't restrain myself I should break every bone in your body to teach you not to abuse my patience thus." "There's no pleasure in conducting an intrigue with you," said Chaudoreille, a little disconcerted at being reseated so heavily; "but if you wish that I should come to the facts, here I am. I made known to her the intentions of the Marquis de Villebelle." "His intentions? I didn't communicate them to you." "That is to say, his love, his passion. At last I demanded a meeting for tomorrow evening." "Well, what then?" "She hesitated for a long time, reflected for a long time; then I redoubled my eloquence; I pictured the marquis dying of despair if she repulsed his vows." "Idiot! was that necessary?" "Yes, certainly; it was highly necessary; the little one was weighing it." "Did she make any wry faces?" "No; on the contrary, she gave me the most interesting glances." "Finally, is she coming?" "Yes, by jingo! she's coming. Yes; but it took me to decide her." "Tomorrow evening?" "Yes, at eight o'clock." "Where is she to be?" "On the Pont de la Tournelle." "That's good." "As soon as I had got her answer, I attached my rosette." "Excuse me from the rest; I know enough." "You must know that in bowing too precipitately I broke a pane, for which they made me pay a crown, and for which I hope I shall be reimbursed.--Ah, that's not all; I know that the lady is named Julia, and also that she is an Italian. You see I did not lose any time. Are you pleased with me?"