"Have you written your exercise?"
"Yes, mother. How do you say 'joli' in English for a man?" asked the little girl.
"Why?"
"That question is in my exercise, to be said of a man who is 'beau, joli, distingue.'"
"Handsome, nice, and charming," replied her mother.
"Very well, mother, this gentleman, our neighbor, is altogether handsome, nice, and charming."
"Silly child!" exclaimed Madame de Tecle, while the little girl rushed down the steps.
M. de Camors, who had listened to this dialogue with cool calmness, rose. "I thank you again, Madame," he said; "and will you now excuse me? You will allow me, from time to time, to confide in you my political hopes and fears?"
"Certainly, Monsieur."
He bowed and retired. As he was crossing the courtyard, he found himself face to face with Mademoiselle Marie. He gave her a most respectful bow. "Another time, Miss Mary, be more careful. I understand English perfectly well!"