"What are you thinking about? Come, tell me! It has come to your lips several times, and you keep it back. Is it something very unkind, pray, that you are afraid to say it?"
"No; it's a very natural reflection, but one that I have no right to make, perhaps."
"But you seem to have taken the liberty to make it. I don't like the things one keeps back; they are more dangerous."
"Your gut healt', montame, and te bleazure id gif me to schmoke tis bibe in your company."
"Thanks, baron, thanks!"
"Vill you trink mit me?"
"Certainly I will."
While she honored Brunzbrack's toast, Frédérique kept her eyes on me, and they peremptorily bade me to speak.
"Well, madame," I began, hesitatingly.
"Why do you continue to call me madame? I call you Rochebrune."