Madame was glad of this opportunity of saying a few well-chosen words to her daughter.
She began very gravely:—"Marjolaine, you are putting on this gaiety to please me—"
"No, Maman," said Marjolaine; but at that moment the lamplighter slid down his ladder, and, creeping on all fours, began stalking the pigeon-pie. She saw it was going to be a race between the lamplighter and Jack for the coveted prize, and she could not suppress a little startled "Oh!"
"Why do you cry out like that?" asked Madame, with deep concern.
Marjolaine had the greatest difficulty in the world to keep from laughing. "Nothing, Maman!" she said, volubly. "You are not to be anxious about me. I am quite, quite happy."
The race was continuing. Although Jack saw the lamplighter's manoeuvre, he could not move quickly, for fear of making a noise and being heard by Madame.
"I saw Lord Otford yesterday," Madame continued.
Marjolaine's entire attention was absorbed by the rivals. "You saw—?" she repeated, vaguely. But at that moment the lamplighter was perceptibly gaining on Jack. "Oh! Oh!" she cried, with a stifled laugh.
Madame was shocked. "Marjolaine, you are laughing!"
"No, no!" cried Marjolaine, "it was—it was surprise."