“It is well,” she said, contentedly; and then, “We dine with thees yo’ng actor thees evening?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, I am glad.... It is ver’ important. He must like me, and then he will speak for me at the Conservatoire. You must be ver’ good friend to him so that he will speak for me.”
“No, young lady, you keep away from that young actor. He’s too darned handsome. I don’t want him stealing you away from me.”
“Non.... Non.... I do not care for him, only that he speak for me. You must not be afraid.”
“Shall we take a taxi?”
“No. There is much time. A taxi is much expensive. I must not make you spend all your money.”
“That wouldn’t be such a hard job. I haven’t much to spend.”
“It is no matter.... If you had much—that is different—then I would spend.... It is not for money that I know you—oh no. At first—then I do not know what kind of yo’ng man you are.... I take you to that expensive café. It is to punish you because you speak to me as you did.... I did not know you. But now I know you ver’ well. You have been kind.” She nodded her head in punctuation. “You have been always nice and ver’ gentle, and so I see you ver’ often.”
“Nobody could help being gentle with you, mignonne.”