I did not count long. The bell rang; I opened the door instantly: it was my grisette, in the same costume as on the day of our first meeting, and with a no less affable expression. She entered without ceremony. I ushered her into my little salon, and invited her to sit on the divan, saying:
"How good of you to come!"
"I came last evening."
"I know it. But why weren't you at the theatre? I was so anxious to meet you there! In fact, it was for you that I sent the box, and not for those others."
"Yes, but I couldn't go; there was work that had to be done, and at such times there's no fun to be had. You saw my employer, Madame Ratapond, and a specimen of my aunts."
"Ah! so those were your aunts; the elderly ladies, I presume?"
"Yes. And my mistress, what did you think of her?"
"She is very good-looking. But it was you that I wanted to see! You are so pretty, and I love you so dearly!"
At this point, I tried to add action to speech; but Mademoiselle Rosette pushed me away and arose, saying:
"In the first place, I want you to let me alone. Stop! stop! you think you can go on like that, right away—— Oh, no! Later, I won't say! We'll see!"