"The deuce! it's a present worthy of a prince; but I don't believe she will accept it."
"And I am sure that she will."
"Has Madame Baldimer returned from the country?"
"Yes, last night; and look, do you see this little note?"
"By the perfume alone, I divine that it's from a woman."
"I have just received it; it's from the fair widow, and she expects me at ten this evening."
"At ten o'clock; she makes appointments for rather a late hour."
"So much the better; I will try to prolong the interview, and not leave her till to-morrow morning."
Célestin turned away to hide a grimace which he could not control; then he replied, in a very vivacious tone: