“She offers me no patte de velours; she is all form and reserve with me.”
“That to begin with; let respect be the foundation, affection the first floor, love the superstructure; Mdlle. Reuter is a skilful architect.”
“And interest, M. Pelet—interest. Will not mademoiselle consider that point?”
“Yes, yes, no doubt; it will be the cement between every stone. And now we have discussed the directress, what of the pupils? N’y a-t-il pas de belles études parmi ces jeunes têtes?”
“Studies of character? Yes; curious ones, at least, I imagine; but one cannot divine much from a first interview.”
“Ah, you affect discretion; but tell me now, were you not a little abashed before these blooming young creatures?”
“At first, yes; but I rallied and got through with all due sang-froid.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“It is true, notwithstanding. At first I thought them angels, but they did not leave me long under that delusion; three of the eldest and handsomest undertook the task of setting me right, and they managed so cleverly that in five minutes I knew them, at least, for what they were—three arrant coquettes.”
“Je les connais!” exclaimed M. Pelet. “Elles sont toujours au premier rang à l’eglise et à la promenade; une blonde superbe, une jolie espiègle, une belle brune.”