And Thélénie ran rapidly downstairs.
"All the same," said Chamoureau, pulling up his boot-tops, "I have made a fine conquest!"
VII
THE DANGER OF FALLING ASLEEP IN COMPANY
Thélénie found Mademoiselle Héloïse in the balcony box; she motioned to her to come with her.
"Do you mean to say we are going already?" asked the little black domino.
"Already! why, it's very late. See, the dancers have plenty of room now, which means that the ball is nearing its end."
"Have you spoken to Monsieur Edmond?"
"No, no, it's of no use; I leave him with his mistress—a flower-maker, my dear; really, it makes me blush to think that I was jealous of such a creature."
"But there are some very pretty flower-makers!"
"What of that? she's a grisette, all the same, and that sort of an affair won't keep Edmond in chains for long. I say again that I regret having lowered myself by speaking to that girl. However, I have just made the acquaintance of a person who will keep me advised concerning my faithless lover's intrigues."