"Do you think so? that makes a difference; show the girl in."
Violette was ushered into Madame de Grangeville's presence; the flower girl was agitated, trembling, and her cheeks were a brilliant scarlet; but that emotion simply added to her beauty, and the baroness at sight of her, exclaimed:
"Why, the girl is very pretty, really! very pretty, indeed!"
Violette made a curtsy and offered her bouquet.
"You have brought me a bouquet, mademoiselle?"
"Yes, madame."
"It is very handsome, very tasteful.—But from whom do you come? for I must know to whom I am indebted for this attention."
"I do not know, madame."
"You don't know? Ah! you mean that you were told to keep it secret. But, you know, between women such secrets should be transparent. Come, my girl—why, she is really very pretty indeed!—who sends you? For of course you did not come here of your own motion."
"Madame, it was a gentleman who came to me at my place, at my booth."