"Why, nothing at all," said Denoisel, coming away from the window; "I was afraid of intruding."
"We have told each other all our secrets now; so you can come and talk to us."
"You know what time it is, Renée?" put in Mme. Mauperin. "If you want to begin the rehearsal to-day——"
"Oh, mamma, please—it's so warm to-day—and then, too, it's Friday."
"And the year began on a 13th," remarked Denoisel gravely.
"Ah!" said Noémi, looking at him with her trustful eyes.
"Don't listen to him—he's taking you in. He plays jokes of that kind on you all day long—Denoisel does. We'll rehearse next time you come, shall we?—there's plenty of time."
"As you like," answered Noémi.
"Very well, then; we'll take a holiday. Denoisel, be funny—at once. And if you are very funny—very, very funny—I'll give you a picture—one of my own——"
"Another?"