Those two failings came to me later.
"Did I not tell you how charming he was!" said Vittoria to Laure.
I did not understand how or why I was charming; so, instead of thanking the Spaniard for the compliment she had paid me, I made a face, which was greeted with shouts of laughter from both the two young girls.
I wanted to return to my Avenue of Sighs, but I had not the courage; I was already in the condition of Molière's lovers who always get as far as the door, but who never make up their minds to cross the threshold.
People were again preparing for the quadrille.
"Come," said Laure, "do not pout, young scholar; I invite you to dance this time.... Will you accept?"
"Alas! yes," I replied.
"Why alas?"
"Yes, I hear."