"Did I frighten you? I like to do that." Her face had regained its composure, but it was a cold constraint; she was still pale from the force of the emotion. "It is so amusing to frighten people. You see, I am able to protect myself."
"That I can believe," Barabant cried, finding his voice. "It is unpleasant!"
"Don't be frightened; I reserve that for my enemies. I know how to please, also."
She laughed, amused at his horror.
"And now I must get to selling my cockades. You can return with me only as far as the Seine. A companion such as you, you understand, would never do; it would not be professional."
Arranging her cockades in the basket, which she transferred to her arm, she retraced her steps.
"Ah, there's mama again," she exclaimed, as they neared the wig-maker's. "Let's see if she'll greet us more cordially."
Suddenly she stopped and, with a gleam of mischief, caught his arm.
"I have an idea. Follow me. I'll make her speak."