"Ah, but I am ready to bless the cause; without it, I should not have known the happiness of being chosen by you to protect you."
"I am willing to admit that you have rendered me a great service, and I am grateful. I will even implore you to continue to extend your protection until we can find my friends."
"What! You want to leave me already? Ah, if only from gratitude, grant me a few minutes."
"Well, then, as a reward, I will stay a few minutes with you."
They sat down side by side, and the time sped swiftly while they chatted gaily, lightly together.
At last the charming Mask bethought herself once more of her missing party.
"But who are these friends of yours?" said Léon. "Is it your mother, or sister? And, perhaps, a husband?"
"A husband? No, indeed, thank God!"
"You are not married?"
"No, not now."