"It was a lady, of great distinction, with whom I happened to be, and at whom an insolent knave presumed to look too closely."
"You fought for a lady! That was very well done, and leads me to forget your glances at me; but tell me, monsieur, why you have come here to-day?"
"Since you are so good at divination, mademoiselle, you ought to have no difficulty in guessing. I saw you from my window, I found you charming, and I desired to make your acquaintance."
"Good! that is plain speaking! And with what purpose do you wish to make my acquaintance? Perhaps you hope to make me your mistress?"
"I do not say that, mademoiselle."
"No, but you think it! As if that wasn't always what men aim at, when they fall in with a poor girl who is weak and foolish enough to believe them! But I am generous enough to warn you that you will waste your time with me."
"In any case, mademoiselle, it would be difficult to waste it more agreeably than in your company."
"That is very prettily said. But, monsieur, I will confess that I have a fancy for knowing the people whom I receive. Now, I don't know you."
"That is true, mademoiselle, that is very true; one must know with whom one is dealing."
And Dupont, who had prepared his little story in advance, straightened himself up in his chair and continued: