"It is, indeed; I wouldn't do it myself, although I smoke a little. How accomplished women are in this age! If this goes on, I should not be surprised to see them chewing tobacco in time."
"Oh! Monsieur Chamoureau, what are you saying!"
"Bless me! I keep track of the progress of mankind. In the old days, ladies wouldn't allow smoking in their presence; to-day they smoke themselves. From that to chewing tobacco in the shape of pastilles of mint or cachou isn't a very long road to travel."
"Well, let us come to what you had to say to me. I am in more or less of a hurry. It's a fine day, and I promised Amélia to take her to the Bois this morning. We may go as far as Ville d'Avray."
"Amélia! what? the young flower-maker who was at the supper, dressed as a débardeur?"
"Herself; I have made up with her; she is amusing and quite bright; on the whole, I like her very well."
"You really like her, eh? And you have no other mistress?"
"Faith, no! not for the moment, at all events."
"Dear Monsieur Edmond! You see, I have been told that you adored a magnificent brunette—a tall, handsome woman, with a fine figure——"
"Ah! you mean Thélénie."