Before leaving the foyer, Chamoureau, as proud as Lucifer to have on his arm a stylish woman who left an odor of violets and patchouli as she passed, said to himself:
"Faith, I don't care what happens! I propose to risk another stick of candy!"
Whereupon he led the lady toward a buffet and urged her to take something; but Thélénie dragged him away, saying:
"I am obliged to you, monsieur, but I never take anything here; besides, I think that carrying about sticks of candy is very bad form.—Come, I long to be out of this foyer."
Thélénie had just noticed the tall Beauregard, who was gazing at her with an air of surprise, and with a mocking smile which seemed to say:
"What! you, elegance personified, on the arm of this Spaniard who looks like a genuine buffoon!"
Chamoureau, who had a most exalted opinion of his new acquaintance since she had told him that she never took anything at a ball, walked with her into the corridor, where the domino guided him toward the staircase, saying:
"Let us go up, there are too many people here."
"With pleasure; let us go up."
When they reached the second floor the domino continued to ascend, saying: