"I would just like to have monsieur see her in her jacket and short petticoat; they're so becoming to her!"
"Pardieu! there's a very simple way for me to see this girl without disturbing myself. She embroiders cigar cases, you say? I'll order one of her. Go out and watch for her, and, when she comes, ask her to step into my apartment a moment. You may tell her why."
"Very good, monsieur; I will go on sentry duty, in order to give her your message."
"If you don't see her pass, you may as well go up to her room; there's no need of standing on ceremony with a mere working girl."
"Very well, monsieur; if she has already come in, I will go up and do your errand."
Lépinette left the room, and Edward de Sommerston surrendered anew to the charms of the cigarette; but five minutes had not passed when the valet reappeared and said to him:
"The young person is here, monsieur."
"Whom do you mean?"
"The girl from upstairs who makes cigar cases."
"Oh! I had already forgotten your protégée. Well! show her in."