"But why does he trouble himself with writing?"
"If it were only," replied De Brévannes, "to have the pleasure of seeing you at the first representation of his piece, with so delicious a sobi—sobe——"
"Sobieska," added Madame Girard, quickly.
At this moment the box-door opened, and M. Girard entered.
"Well?" said his wife.
"Alphonsine, you are not mistaken. One of these boxes is let to the Marquise de Luceval."
"Bravo!" said Alphonsine.
"That is not all. You, who are always curious for news, I have a famous bit for you."
"What?"
"Whilst I was interrogating the box-keeper, there came up a servant, all over gold-lace, who asked for the box let to the Princess de Hansfeld. It turned out to be that next to Madame de Luceval's—there—just in front of us."