"Because I see that you have a plaster on your head, such as they put on sick dogs."
Plumard turned purple, while Bahuchet made haste to say:
"That's nothing, he has a cold in his head, and it's a blister he's trying.—But while monsieur le chevalier is finishing his repast, we might show him the superb costume we have brought.—Open your bundle, Plumard."
"You are right, little clerks; show me the clothes."
First of all, Plumard took from the bundle a pair of orange silk knee-breeches, slashed with lemon-colored satin.
Passedix was overjoyed with the short-clothes; he took them in his hand, examined them closely, and cried:
"Charming! delicious! they are in the best taste—they are dainty and elegant! The breeches please me exceedingly, and I have an idea that the orange color will be very becoming to me.—Let us see the doublet."
The doublet was of the same material and embellished with slashes of lemon-colored satin, like the short-clothes.
Passedix was enchanted.
"This harmonizes perfectly with the breeches!" he said; "it is perfect.—And the girdle?"