There are many more things that I might tell you concerning the two men who have been talking together. Perhaps I ought to draw their portraits for you, and to tell you to just what type of face Auguste Dalville's belonged. But what would be the use? Doubtless some one of his numerous conquests will have something to say about him; so that I should run the risk of unnecessary repetition by sketching him at first. We can simply presume that he was comely, as he was fortunate enough to please the ladies. "That is no reason," you will say; "when a man has twenty thousand francs a year, that takes the place of physical charms, and conceals ugliness."--Oh! what an idea, my dear readers! Surely no reader of the gentler sex would make such a reply; for I have too good an opinion of the ladies not to feel sure that it would take something more than twenty thousand francs to captivate them. But the cabriolet is speeding along; we will resume our reflections at some other time. "Bébelle goes very well. You are warm, lieutenant; don't you want me to take the reins?" "No, I like to drive." "We shall be at Monsieur Destival's by eleven o'clock." "That is quite early enough; and from that time until five o'clock, when we dine--But I promised a long while ago. At all events, Madame Destival is an excellent musician, and we will try to amuse ourselves while we are waiting for dinner." "Why did you bring me, lieutenant? I can't play or sing, and as I don't belong in the salon, where am I to do sentry-duty?" "Never fear; Monsieur Destival expressly requested me to bring you. He has become infatuated with hunting, and he wants you to teach him to handle a gun." "Very well, lieutenant, I'll teach him all I know; that won't take long." "Poor Virginie! What a rage she will be in to-night! I promised to take her to Feydeau----" "She has often promised you things, and then broken her word." "How do you know that, Bertrand?" "Because I've heard, lieutenant, that Mademoiselle Virginie's a terrible liar." "That is true; yes, I have had proofs of it more than once." "That's very bad, after all that you've done for her! But you're so kindhearted, you always allow yourself to be imposed on! Ten thousand carbines! if the hussy had killed herself every time she threatened _to perish_ because she didn't have enough to pay her rent----" "Come, come, Monsieur Bertrand, be quiet! You have a wicked tongue.--Go on, Bébelle; I believe you're asleep."