Poor Dolly, it was a lesson to her not to come unexpectedly.

'Madame will be distressed,' said Julie, coming forward, 'to receive Mademoiselle in such a confusion! The gentlemen all came; they brought music; they want coffee at every instant, or thé à l'Anglaise.'

As she spoke a little fat man came up to the table, and Julie darted back to her post.

Meanwhile the music went on.

'Petits, petits, petits oiseaux!

sang a tenor voice—

'Jolis, jolis, jolis, petits!'

sang a bass—

'Jolis, petits, chéris!'

sang the two together.