“Really, brother, you puzzle me; I know nothing about the ball at the Opera.”
The words “ball” and “Opera” caught Jeanne’s ear, and she listened intently.
“I am dumb,” said the prince.
“But, count, I insist on knowing what it means.”
“Oh, pray allow me to let it drop.”
“Do you want to disoblige me?”
“No, sister; but I have said quite enough for you to understand.”
“You have told me nothing.”
“Oh, sister, it is needless with me.”
“But really I am in earnest.”