Belle-bouche cast a tender glance at Jacques. Sir Asinus continued:
"Yes, yes, I see you pity him. But you should pity me."
"Why?"
"Your watch-paper—you remember; the one which you cut for me?"
"Yes."
"Well, last night I placed my watch on my window—before retiring, you know; and in the night," continued Sir Asinus, "it commenced raining——"
"That was last night?"
"Yes, Madam Belle-bouche. Well, the roof leaked, and presto! when I rose I found my watch swimming in water—your watch-paper all soaked and torn—that is to say, my fingers tore it; and a dozen minuets I had bought for you shared the same fate, not to mention my jemmy-worked garters! My ill luck was complete—me miserum!"
"Was it at college?"
"Oh no," said Sir Asinus; "you know I am temporarily absent from the Alma Mater."