"For the very same reason! They're afraid of 'em, so they must keep 'em well fed."
"You must go to the play while you're in Paris, Colinet."
"With you, Mamzelle Georgette?"
"Yes. Monsieur Dupont here will take us both."
"The devil! it seems that I must amuse Monsieur Colinet too," thought Dupont. "But, after all, I prefer that to having her go alone with him."
"Will you take us to the theatre to-night?" Georgette asked Dupont.
"Why, certainly, mademoiselle, with the greatest pleasure! Am I not always at your service, and too happy if I can do anything to please you?"
"Yes, monsieur; I know that you are extremely obliging; but I should dislike to abuse your good nature."
"You cannot put it to the test too often. You know my sentiments for you, for I make no mystery of them; I am your loyal knight!"
Young Colinet stared first at Dupont, then at Georgette, as if he were trying to fathom their meaning. The pretty embroiderer laughed heartily, as she said: