"Yes, madame," said Rosette; "that smell has been here ever since monsieur le docteur came in.—Do you bathe in essence of rose, monsieur?"
Balloquet, who was walking about the room playing the dandy, passed his hand through his hair as he replied:
"Not exactly, mademoiselle; but, in truth, I am very fond of the odor of rose; I sometimes perfume my linen with an essence that I get from Constantinople."
"Well, frankly, monsieur, you use too much of it; you smell too strong! I wouldn't like to eat a truffled turkey with you."
"Why not, mademoiselle?"
"Because I should smell nothing but rose, instead of the odor of truffles; and a truffled turkey à la rose wouldn't be good, I know."
"I think that I have had the pleasure of meeting madame before," said Balloquet, saluting Frédérique.
"Yes, monsieur; on a certain day, or rather night, when my presence was useful to both of you gentlemen."
"Ah, yes! the two wedding parties, wasn't it, madame?"
"Yes, monsieur; I only looked in at yours, but it seemed to be very lively."