"Mathilde," added the husband, "as you know, is the most beautiful and accomplished of women; but such ideal creatures are fatiguing. It is not always agreeable to talk of serious things in a solemn tone. A man occupied as I am needs sometimes to breathe easily. Gigante is an admirable clown in petticoats. Come, come, you will sup with us. You will laugh! You will be amused, I assure you."
Jacob felt a great wrath grow in him. He laughed savagely.
"I accept willingly," said he ironically; "life is made only for amusement."
Gigante, no longer able to repress her curiosity, drew near in order to ascertain who the two strangers were that examined her with so much curiosity. Her attention was bestowed principally on Jacob, as Ivas, poorly clad, promised little. She tripped toward them singing, and the refrain echoed in the street in bursts of gayety.
"Je suis seule depuis longtemps,
Seule, seulette.
Eh, je suis veuve en mon printemps,
Veuve et fillette;
Pas d'espoir d'horizon vermeil
Pour moi seulette,