“That is not it,—‘of that poor Bohemian.’”
“Of that poor Bohemian,” repeated Luquin, with a profound sigh.
“‘It was a very innocent thing for Stephanette to give him a ribbon.’”
“It was—humph—it was a very innocent thing for Stephanette—humph!”
These words seemed to strangle the captain, who coughed violently,—“Humph, humph!”
“You have a very bad cold, my poor Luquin. Repeat now: ‘It was a very innocent thing for Stephanette to give him a ribbon.’”
“To give him a ribbon.”
“Very well; ‘because I have her heart. And all this is only a young girl’s folly, and I know well that she loves nobody but her Luquin,’” said Stephanette, rapidly.
Then, without giving her betrothed time to rise and repeat these sweet words, Stephanette turned around quickly while he was still on his knees, and gave him a kiss on the forehead, and then disappeared through a passage in the court before the worthy captain, as delighted as surprised, had been able to take a step.