Among the most enthusiastic singers Élodie recognized the handsome dragoon, the little lawyer's clerk, Henry, her first love.
After the performance the gallant Desmahis called a cabriolet and escorted the citoyenne Blaise back to the Amour peintre.
In the carriage the artist took Élodie's hand between his:
"You know, Élodie, I love you?"
"I know it, because you love all women."
"I love them in you."
She smiled:
"I should be assuming a heavy task, spite of the wigs black, blonde and red, that are the rage, if I undertook to be all women, all sorts of women, for you."
"Élodie, I swear...."
"What! oaths, citoyen Desmahis? Either you have a deal of simplicity, or you credit me with overmuch."