“Oh, no! I have always been alone; but people are very good to me; I love the world—it is very good, and it is so beautiful. On Sundays, sometimes, I go with Mme. Liard to the Buttes Chaumont; I think heaven must be like that.” “Is that as far as you have been?” “I have been to Champrosay once when I was very little. I can remember it still, but it is like a dream.” Toto was producing his coppers to pay the bill, and thinking how fortunate it was that the _auvergnat_ had given him change in coppers, also how fortunate it was that he had bought the asses’ milk, for these coppers were eminently in keeping with the struggling artist. He also kept his coat buttoned to hide his watch-chain, for Toto was now being driven by an idea half formed, yet fully potent, just as the asses had been driven up the Rue de la Paix by the man in sabots, armed with a stick. Célestin drew out her little purse as if to help in the settlement of the account, and then put it back with a sigh of contentment at Toto’s gesture. One could see her satisfaction at not having to part with her centimes, for she did not in the least try to hide it. She crossed herself and moved her lips as if giving thanks to the good God for the breakfast he had sent her, and then she cried, “Oh, how wicked I have been!” “Why?” cried Toto, turning from a dispute about fifty centimes with the waiter. “I have forgotten Dodor, and he has been waiting for his breakfast, and I—I have been thinking of other things.” She rose with the rapidity and grace only given to us when the knees are young. She seemed as if she must spread out a pair of wings and fly at once to Dodor. So Toto relinquished his fifty centimes and accompanied her. He proposed that they should take a cab. “Oh, no!” cried Célestin, “that would be far too extravagant. I think you are very extravagant, mons—Désiré; as for me, I have never been in a cab.” “Never what?” said Toto. “Never been in a cab. I always walk—sometimes I take the omnibus; but that is when it is wet, omnibuses are so expensive; but they are delightful. It is such fun seeing the people, and they are so friendly; I would like to spend all my life driving in omnibuses. Old gentlemen have often helped me out and walked home with me to see me safe.” “Good gracious! what do they say to you?” “Three old gentlemen have seen me home,” said Célestin. “And——” “Three all together?” “Oh, no! at different times; and one had a red rosette in his buttonhole.” “And what did they say to you?”