They calmed down, and gathered close around him on a couch, while he told them about an attack of indigestion which had befallen Sylvia, with whom he had supped the night before. Then drawing a sweetmeat box from the pocket of his dress-coat he offered them some burnt almonds. Meanwhile, Laure came out of her bedroom, and as several gentlemen arrived, she drew Larsonneau into a boudoir situated at one end of the drawing-room, from which it was separated by double hangings.
"Have you got the money?" she asked him when they were alone.
Larsonneau, without replying, bowed in a jocular manner and tapped the inner pocket of his coat.
"Oh! you big Lar!" murmured the delighted young woman.
She took him round the waist and kissed him.
"Wait a bit," she said, "I want the flimsies—Rozan is in my room, I will go and fetch him."
But he detained her, and, in his turn, kissing her shoulders:
"You know what commission I asked of you."
"Why, yes, you big stupid, it's agreed."
She came back bringing Rozan. Larsonneau was dressed more correctly than the duke, with better fitting gloves, and a more artistic bow to his necktie. They negligently touched hands, and talked about the races of two days before, at which one of their friends had had a horse beaten. Laure stamped impatiently.