"It is not from coquetry. But, monsieur, you cannot think that I would go to the play with such an elegant person as you, in the modest costume that I wear."
"I presume that you would not go in this jacket and this short skirt, although the costume is divinely becoming to you! On my word, you are bewitching so!"
"No, of course, I would not go out in a jacket; but my best costume is very modest: a cotton gown, a little cap, a knitted fichu—that's my attire!"
"What! haven't you a bonnet—a tiny bonnet?"
"No, monsieur, I haven't."
The elderly dandy moved about in his chair, seemed to reflect, and said, at last:
"After all, you must be fascinating in a cap. Besides, we can take a cab. Is it settled? I will take you to-night, if you agree."
"What, monsieur! do you mean to say that you would take to the theatre a woman in a cotton dress, cap, and a fichu instead of a shawl?"
"I do; I am entirely free from prejudices. I would like to take you in the costume you have on, if it were possible."
"Well, upon my word! I wouldn't have believed that!"