"Sapristi! what a difference between that huge funnel and the little petticoat that outlined her form so perfectly! Ah! if I had seen her dressed as she is to-day, all this wouldn't have happened!"

"Indeed, it wouldn't!" cried Monsieur de Mardeille; "indeed, it wouldn't have happened; I should still have my twelve thousand francs."

"I agree with you entirely, messieurs," said Dupont; "what a difference in her shape! And the change is not to her advantage! The idea of getting into that sugar-loaf affair, instead of letting us see her graceful outlines! Ah! madame! what a scurvy trick to play on us!"

FOOTNOTES:

[A] Naught save the true is beautiful or lovable.

[B]

How now! you say nothing!
My friend, 'tis not nice of you!
Once it was different,
Remember, I pray you!

[C] True joys have fixed their abiding place in the fields; We fear the gods more there, and there make love more at our ease.

[D]

I saw you of late, as you worked at the pump;
In you all is charming, all is true, nothing false;
’Tis then you display in your movements such grace that
One would gladly be damned, if he might pump with you.