"Mon Dieu! my boys,—what nice little fellows they are!—it is an extraordinary case, most assuredly! But if you knew the history of my love!—My heart is set upon a lovely female demon, whom I cannot see when I wish—who eludes me, flies from me! who vanishes when I think that I have her!"
"Monsieur le chevalier, whoever the object of your love may be, if you take me for your page, I will undertake, ere long, to make you the happy vanquisher of your inamorata!"
"And I take the same oath if I become esquire to Monsieur le Chevalier—apple-green—I mean de Passedix; he will see how we will forward his love affairs!"
"Very good! shake hands! it is a bargain; I attach you both to my person; you are my page, and you my esquire."
"Vive monsieur le chevalier!"
"I say nothing of wages—but whatever you receive will be yours."
"That is enough for us."
"Are you still hungry?"
"Always!"
"They are admirable!—Waiter, a succulent dish to close the repast; a fricassée of hare! that is your forte. And let us drink—let us even touch glasses—I will condescend so far.—Moreover, I know that you are young men of good breeding, ex-Basochians; for that reason, when I am alone, I will always admit you to my table."