"I—intended—"
"Quick, and do not stutter so awfully. Is it lawful at night and in darkness to enter a strange abode and to frighten people?"
"Alas, I shall certainly never do it again," stammered poor Coucou, crestfallen. "I came here, because—"
"Dear me, I almost believe you have lost your power of speech," laughingly interrupted Madame Caraman.
"Not exactly, madame, but behold, there are moments in the life of a soldier—"
"In which he proves himself especially stupid," added Madame Caraman impatiently; "stick to your subject."
Coucou bowed, as if a compliment were paid him.
"Madame," he commenced again, "Providence permitted us to-day to meet each other—"
"Providence?" repeated the lady in great merriment; "Mr. Zouave, you seem to me to be getting a little crazy!"