"In short, you exist more than the others do, anyhow."
"But why? It's your fancy to look upon young La Balue as a caricature; but everyone is not of your opinion. As to Giraud—well, he is a very good sort."
"Yes, but he is Giraud."
"Well, what of that? what difference does that make?"
"A good deal; that is, it would be nothing with certain women, but it is everything with others,—and Bijou is one of these others."
"Oh—what do you know about it?"
"I have studied her for some time without appearing to."
"You are studying her, but you do not know her."
"Perhaps not!"
"If I were in her place I know which one I should choose amongst so many lovers."