“And I like you well enough to wish to make friends with you. But first I must tell you my name. It is Satanita.”

“Satanita! Rather suggestive, eh?”

“I should say so. Little Satan; and I match my name.”

“You are the sweetest, most innocent and captivating little devil I ever saw.”

“Thank you. You should see me dance and hear me sing. The Pouters, as you call them, are not a patch on me.”

“I can well believe it.”

“I have another name—I am called the Queen of the Harem-Scarem.”

“No doubt you are.”

“Now,” continued Léontine, seating herself with a confidential air beside Major Fallière, “what do you think of our host, Victor de Meneval?”

“One of the best fellows in the world.”