I could not help laughing at the baron's anxiety concerning the state of my heart.
The seductive Frédérique shrugged her shoulders slightly, and said with some show of impatience:
"Why, no, a thousand times no! he doesn't give me a thought! Can't a man tell a lady that her headdress becomes her, that he likes that style of headdress, without being in love with her? If you return to that subject, Monsieur le Prussien, I'll put an end to the session."
"I am dumb."
"Oh! talk, but talk about something else.—Vivat! we are free at last!"
The servant had left the room, after bringing the dessert. Frédérique filled our glasses, then rose, and rang a bell.
"I forgot the best of all," she said.
The servant returned.
"Bring cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and tobacco, Jean. Hurry!"
The baron uttered something very like an oath of admiration.