"That there is no harm, messieurs, in going into a loft when one is moving furniture there; and that is why I am here now with mademoiselle."
"Ah! not bad! not bad! and it was part of the moving to kiss her, I suppose; and to swear eternal love, young Lothario?"
"I kissed mademoiselle's hand only, monsieur. As to what I said to her, that doesn't concern you; you had no right to listen."
"Hoity-toity! then you should lock the doors, imprudent children that you are!"
"Why, God bless me! the lover is one of our messengers, Sans-Cravate's mate!"
"Yes, that is so! it was he who did Tobie's errands yesterday. Ah! young dressmaker! is it possible? you listen to a messenger? Why, you degrade yourself, girl; your trade entitles you to look higher—especially with such lovely eyes!"
"Treat mademoiselle with respect, messieurs!" exclaimed Paul; "or I'll make you repent your insolence!"
"Do you, knave," retorted Célestin, "begin by holding your tongue; if not, you'll be whipped for your impertinence."
"We shall not put back the ladder except on several conditions," said Albert; "first, that the little dressmaker allow us to kiss her."
"I," said Mouillot, "demand that she measure me for a pair of drawers."