"We finish dinner here at our leisure; we smoke and chat a while in the lounge, if you like, or if nothing better offers we go to a play; and then you will take me by the hand, if you please, mademoiselle..."
"In the maternal manner appropriate to mature charms, I presume?"
"Precisely."
"What then?"
"You will--always remembering that my interest in such things is merely academic--you will then lead me hither and yon, as your whim lists, and show me how Paris amuses itself in these days of its nocturnal decadence. You will dutifully pretend to drink much more champagne than is good for you and to be enjoying yourself as you seldom have before. If I discover an interest in people I may chance to see, you will be good enough to tell me who they are and--other details concerning their ways of life."
"If I know."
"But I am sure you know everyone worth knowing in Paris, Athenais."
"Then--if I am right in assuming you are looking for some person in particular--"
"You have reason, mademoiselle."
"I run the risk of losing an entertaining evening."