"Listen: you know monsieur, you invited him to come to the wedding, where he was to ask for you; but as you had not arrived when he came, he didn't know to whom to apply. Now that you are here, you must introduce him. Do you understand?"
"Perfectly! it's the simplest thing in the world! Take my hand, monsieur, if you please; for, as I am to present you, you must be my escort, for a few moments at least."
"With great pleasure, madame!"
"How lucky it is that I came without an escort, and that my husband has catarrh! It's a true saying that good fortunes never come singly."
"You will condescend, then, madame, to——"
"Why, it's all arranged; I am delighted to do anything to oblige Armantine. By the way, your name, monsieur, if you please; for, if I am to present you, I must call you by name."
"Charles Rochebrune."
"Very good! An advocate, I suppose? All the young men are advocates."
"I am not in practice; but I studied for the bar."
"That is quite enough. Now, let us go into the ballroom."