"H'm—that would be difficult," said Girdel, looking about.
"Of course I shall pay extra for the seats," continued the young lady.
"We have only one price for the front rows," said Firejaws, simply; "they cost twenty sous and the rear seats ten sous."
The governess sighed sorrowfully; Irene took an elegant purse from her pocket and pressed it in Girdel's hand.
"Take the money," she said, "and do what I say."
"I will try to get you the seats you desire, mademoiselle," he said politely, "but only for the usual price. Fanfaro," he said, turning to the young man, "can't we possibly fix up a box?"
Fanfaro drew near, and the young lady with open wonder gazed at the beautiful youth.
"What's the trouble, Papa Girdel?" he said.
Before the giant could speak Irene said:
"I do not ask very much. I would like to look at the performance, but naturally would not like to sit with the crowd. You know, peasants and such common people—"