“Coxcomb!”
“And then, that is not the true reason. You stand in need of me, Aure, and I of you. When it pleases you to be gay, I make you laugh; when it suits me to be loving, I look at you. I have given you a commission of lady of honor which you wished for; you will give me, presently, something I wish for.”
“I will?”
“Yes, you will; but, at this moment, my dear Aure, I declare to you that I wish for absolutely nothing, so be at ease.”
“You are a frightful man, Malicorne; I was going to rejoice at getting this commission, and thus you quench my joy.”
“Good; there is no time lost,—you will rejoice when I am gone.”
“Go, then; and after——”
“So be it; but in the first place, a piece of advice.”
“What is it?”
“Resume your good-humor,—you are ugly when you pout.”