"Only a very little bit, so that you may get used to it, you pretty little scamp, you," says he, tenderly pinching her cheeks, "and now you may go to Mlle. Angelique, and ask her to put a clean dress and a pretty sash on you, for Uncle Felix is coming to dinner. Can you find the way?"
He has placed her on the ground, and led her to the door, then looks after her until, calling "Angelique! Angelique!" she is met by a pretty French bonne.
"And how is your Highness?" he now turns to his wife, who holds out both hands to him.
"How long it is since one has seen you to-day," says she.
"Has 'one' missed me a little?"
"Do not ask such foolish questions!"
"Thanks! I was very busy or else I should have burdened you with my presence sooner," says he, gayly. "And now give me your keys, so that I can put away your money."
"Oh, my quarterly allowance. How much is it?"
He hands her a little bundle of bank-notes.
"Count!"