"Yes, certainly," she said, slightly embarrassed too, "I wanted to speak to Pierrot; although it is about something that concerns you—it would be better——"
"Something which concerns me?" interrupted Giraud, looking uneasy; "but I do not know really—I wonder what——"
The thought flashed across him that she was perhaps going to say that, after what had taken place the night before last, he could not remain any longer at Bracieux. He was in despair, for not only would he have to leave Bijou, but he would probably get no employment for the next two months, just as he had thought to have a little peace and comfort.
The young girl was looking at him, and smiling kindly.
"You see, it is very difficult to say it to—to the person concerned," she answered at length.
"Well, but—Pierrot."
"Oh! Pierrot is not a very clever diplomatist, I grant, but he would have known better than I do how to go about things in order to announce to you——"
"To announce to me?"
"The fact that you are going to dine with us this evening. A headache, you know, is a very good excuse for women, but only for women."
"But, mademoiselle, without taking into account the annoyance it would be to me (and it would annoy me very much) not to be dressed as the others are, it would not be polite towards your guests."