“Why, that man is the one——”
“He’s a German baron; don’t forget that!” was the beautiful brunette’s reply; and the words were accompanied by such a meaning glance that Héloïse instantly understood that she was not to recognize the gentleman.
The scene between Polichinelle and the devil had just begun; the theme was about the same as usual; the men who work the marionettes follow too closely in the beaten track.
The devil tries to tempt Polichinelle, who thrashes the devil. The company considered that the devil was entirely too good a fellow and submitted to his thrashing altogether too readily.
“This Guignol isn’t very good, is he?” said Freluchon to his neighbor, Croque.
“No, he don’t say enough funny things, ten thousand kirschwassers! if I was inside there, I’d give you something a little better seasoned!”
“Well, baron, why don’t you go under the canvas and play a few scenes for us; I am sure that you would be much more amusing.”
“Oh, no! I wouldn’t dare; I might let out something altogether too free. I don’t know French well enough.”
“Pardieu! here’s a gentleman whom you will be glad to meet; he will talk German with you. Monsieur Courty, you speak German readily, do you not?”
“Ja! ja!” replied the young salesman, “as readily as French.”