XIV
"This time you must not expect to enjoy yourself; we are going to rehearse in good earnest," said Denoisel. "Mlle. Noémi, come and sit down there—that's it. We are ready now, are we not? One—two—three," he continued, clapping his hands, "begin."
"The fact is—the first scene," said Noémi, hesitatingly, "I am not quite sure of it—I know the other better."
"The second, then? We'll begin with the second—I'll take Henri's part: 'Good evening, my dear—— '"
Denoisel was interrupted by a peal of laughter from Renée.
"Oh, dear!" she said to Noémi, "how funnily you are sitting! You look like a piece of sugar held in the sugar-tongs."
"Do I?" said Noémi, quite confused and trying to find a better pose.
"If only you would be kind enough not to interrupt the actors, Renée," said Denoisel. "'Good evening, my dear,'" he repeated, continuing his rôle, "'do I disturb you?'"
"Oh! and where are the purses?" exclaimed Renée.
"Why, I thought you were to see to them."