"Please be kind enough not to keep talking to me! You prevent me from hearing the play, and I suppose that is what people go to the theatre for."
Monsieur de Mardeille bit his lip and said to himself:
"There's nothing so idiotic as these girls who have never been to the theatre! I won't bring you very often, I can tell you!"
The play amused Georgette immensely, but was exceedingly tedious to her escort, who was overjoyed when it came to an end. He suggested returning home in a cab; but the girl refused, she was absolutely determined to go on foot.
"But it's beginning to rain!" said Monsieur de Mardeille.
"Well, it will cool us off!"
"But your new bonnet—won't the rain fade it and ruin it?"
"What a terrible misfortune, if it is spoiled! There are other bonnets in the milliners' shops!"
"I wonder if she thinks I am going to buy her one every day!" thought her companion, with difficulty restraining an outburst of temper; for he was obliged to return on foot, while Georgette, leaning on his arm, talked of nothing but the play and the actors she had seen.
They reached home at last. Monsieur de Mardeille had impatiently awaited that moment. He flattered himself that it would mark his final triumph. They entered the house in which they both lived. In front of the concierge's lodge, which was at the foot of Monsieur de Mardeille's staircase, Georgette stopped and said, with a graceful courtesy: