"I wasn't sure whether I should say anything about you or not, but now I will, if you like."
"Why, yes; do, if you think a poor girl like me could be of any use to them."
"'Tain't a question of being a poor girl or a young lady; it's a question of knowing English," said Rosalie.
"I speak it, but to translate a business letter is another thing," said Perrine, doubtfully.
"It'll be all right with M. Mombleux; he knows the business part."
"Well, then, tell him I shall be very pleased if I can do anything for M. Bendit."
"I'll tell him."
The perch, although a large one, had all been eaten, and all the watercress had disappeared. It was now time for the dessert. Perrine got up and replaced the fish plates with smaller leaf plates in the shape of a cup; she had picked the prettiest, with variegated shades, and marked as exquisitely as enameled ware. Then she offered her guest the gooseberries.
"Let me offer you some fruit from my own garden," she said, laughing, as though she were playing at keeping doll's house.
"Where is your garden?"