"I told you, Monsieur l'Abbe," continued Bettina, "that yesterday was my sister's birthday. A week ago my brother-in-law was obliged to return to America, but at starting he said to my sister, 'I shall not be with you on your birthday, but you will hear from me.' So, yesterday, presents and bouquets arrived from all quarters, but from my brother-in-law, up to five o'clock, nothing—nothing. We were just starting for a ride in the Bois, and 'a propos' of riding"—she stopped, and looking curiously at Jean's great dusty boots—" Monsieur Jean, you have spurs on."
"Yes, Miss Percival."
"Then you are in the cavalry?"
"I am in the artillery, and that, you know, is cavalry."
"And your regiment is quartered?"—-
"Quite near here."
"Then you will be able to ride with us?"
"With the greatest pleasure."
"That is settled. Let me see; where was I?"
"You do not know at all where you are, Bettina, and you are telling these gentlemen things which can not interest them."