Marcel chuckled inwardly with satisfaction. "That chess opening of the pawn to King's four followed by the Knight to Bishop three has begun the game well," he thought to himself. "I could not very well appear ignorant of a town which gave birth to so charming a creature." "What were you doing there, if it is not a rude question?" Violette enquired, warming up with her subject. "H'm, you see my father had the good fortune to be a man of means, and although I was educated at the university, I employed my time in cultivating the arts of poetry and music." "Oh! how delightful, we must invite you to play for us. We have an amateur concert here every Sunday evening. I will ask mama to invite you. What instrument do you play?" "Pardon me, mademoiselle, but I am--ahem--afraid you misunderstood me," he answered, feeling that he was treading on dangerous ground already. "I am not a musician, I am--ahem--I sing." "Oh! that's still better. There are so many good musicians now-a-days, but so few really good singers. I feel certain you have a good voice. You will promise me to come and sing, won't you?" "Ah, mademoiselle, you flatter me. Unfortunately I am under the doctor's orders just now for a slight inflammation of the throat, and I am strictly forbidden to sing. It is a terrible trial for one who has such a passion for harmony." "A terrible trial I am sure," replied Violette, watching his face closely. "Has monsieur endured this calamity for long?" "Yes, ahem--for some considerable time now. But to return to Buenos Aires." "Haven't you finished with that place yet? Gracious, I thought you had left some time ago." Marcel looked at her to try and fathom her meaning. "By the way, monsieur, where did you live in Buenos Aires?" she said a little suspiciously. "Oh, I used to spend most of my time riding up and down the Parque 3 de Febrero in Palermo." "Oh, yes, how well I remember it. I have often driven through that beautiful park. I think Palermo the most beautiful spot in the world." "Ah, there I am with you, mademoiselle--especially if I knew that you were living there." Violette laughed, and her eyes twinkled with roguish fun as she tapped him on the knuckles with her fan. "Oh, you men, what flatterers you all are." "And where did you live, mademoiselle, if I may be so bold as to ask?" "I? Oh, I lived in the Calle Florida, next to a magnificent building," and her eyes twinkled with mischief. "What a strange coincidence. Why, I lived just on the other side of it." Monsieur Beaupaire who happened to be listening burst out into a loud laugh. "Sapristi! but that's too funny for words," he exclaimed. Marcel looked round and saw Violette in fits of laughter as well. "Checkmated, by Jove," thought Marcel. "I wonder how I put my foot in it," he muttered unconsciously half aloud. But the quick hearing of Violette caught the muttered exclamation. "Why, that building is the town jaol," she said laughing.