"Oh! you are very kind, monsieur, but I am not thirsty."
"She isn't thirsty!" said Chamoureau to himself; "I doubt if I could find another like her in the whole ball!"
And he became the more urgent:
"But do at least take a bonbon."
"You are very polite, monsieur; I don't like to keep refusing."
"I will take a stick of candy."
And the black domino selected one of the smallest, which cost only three francs, thereby putting the finishing touch to Chamoureau's delight. He offered his arm to his conquest once more, saying:
"In that case, if you are free, charming stitcher, will you do me the honor to sup with me and a few of my friends, who will also have ladies with them—that is to say, I assume that they will."
"Yes, monsieur, certainly, and with pleasure."