"Wherever you choose; it's all the same to me."
"Well, then, at Bonvalet's; they treat one very well there. Then we will go to one of the theatres opposite. It's all settled; and until then I leave you with your memories. Au revoir, dear neighbor, until to-morrow!"
Dupont took his leave, rubbing his hands and saying to himself:
"To-morrow will see my triumph! Between now and then, I will go to Bonvalet's, I will speak to one of the waiters, I will suborn him in my interest, and I will engage a private dining-room in advance, even though I have to pay its weight in gold!"
VI
A PRIVATE DINING-ROOM
The next day, punctually at five o'clock, Dupont appeared. He found Georgette dressed in her best clothes, but still pensive and careworn.
"Decidedly, you regret your childhood's friend too much," said Dupont, with a smile. "You were always so light-hearted, singing all the time—I should hardly recognize you now!"
"It isn't Colinet's going away that makes me thoughtful."
"Oho! it isn't that? Then there's something else, is there?"
"Perhaps so."