Thereupon the three gentlemen laughed so uproariously that the monkeys tried to imitate them. When their outburst of hilarity had subsided, the viscount said:
"Don't you believe that the girl has made fools of us by writing to us all to meet her at the same place?"
"I begin to think so," said Mardeille.
"And she made us come in front of the monkeys!" exclaimed Dupont. "She selected this place purposely."
"She certainly won't come; it is past the half-hour. I am going away."
"Wait a moment, monsieur; there's a lady coming in this direction."
"But she is with a gentleman."
"Mademoiselle Georgette didn't write us that she would come alone."
"I can't distinguish her features yet, for she has on a bonnet. But it isn't her figure at all. This one has an enormous funnel-shaped skirt."
"That's a hoopskirt—the latest fashion."