"Yes, madame, but it ain't that yet."
"But we have to go back to the station, and it's some distance. Here, my child, take these three francs; it's your earnest money."
"Oh! madame is too kind! Look, Claudine, she gave me three francs!"
Little Claudine was engrossed by the velvet ribbon that had been placed about her neck.
"Now let us go, Agathe.—Good-bye, Poucette; we shall see you soon."
"I will be ready when madame comes."
"Very good; au revoir."
"Good-bye, Claudine."
The little hedgehog-headed one smiled, but could not find a word to say in reply; her ribbon absorbed all her faculties.
The two friends hurried off to the station; and as the gardener left them he said: