An afternoon and evening are interminable when the next day is to witness the fulfilment of all one's hopes. Monsieur de Mardeille did what he could to kill the time: he called on some friends, dined at a restaurant, looked in at several theatres, went home very late, went to bed, and fell asleep at last, dreaming of Georgette.
The so ardently desired day broke at last. Our gallant awoke rather late, and rang for Frontin, who came in on tiptoe.
"What time is it, Frontin?"
"Nearly ten o'clock, monsieur."
"What! you let me sleep so late as this without waking me?"
"Wake monsieur! He did not tell me to, and I should never think of taking the liberty!"
"No matter! prepare everything for my toilet. You must curl my hair, and take pains with it; I want to be very handsome this morning."
"Oh! monsieur always is that!"
"Not bad, for a numskull!"
"I mean that when a man is rich he is always handsome."