“To be sure, of pasteboard; with a doll; that’s simple enough.”
“But the child has something to say.”
“That makes a difference; we will have one that can talk; at a pinch I will play the child myself.”
“No, no,” said Monsieur Glumeau, “we’ll have my gardener’s little one; he’s a very smart child.”
“Are there any other female parts?”
“There’s a peasant—little Colas; we’ll turn him into a girl—little Colette.”
“That’s right; and Mademoiselle Polymnie will take the part.”
“She would have made a little Colas quite as well!” whispered Madame Dufournelle to Chambourdin, who replied:
“Such things are thought, not said.”
“There’s one piece chosen,” said Mangeot, “so far so good; but you are going to give something besides that, aren’t you?”