“All right! so much the better, if there’s no harm. I say! what an amusing fellow you are, Bertrand, when you put on that severe expression! It’s a fact that the girl has a very innocent look. I’m sure that her cap would be mighty becoming to me.”
During this conversation, which was carried on in undertones, Denise kept her eyes on the floor; she saw that Mademoiselle Virginie looked at her a great deal, and that redoubled her embarrassment.
“Why on earth does Monsieur Dalville keep this sweet child waiting?” said Virginie, assuming an affable air and approaching Denise.
“Because monsieur is busy and told me not to disturb him.”
“Ah, yes! I understand, I comprehend! Ask me no more!”
Bertrand motioned to her to be silent; but she sat down beside Denise, paying no attention to the ex-corporal.
“Have you come far, mademoiselle?”
“From Montfermeil, madame,” replied Denise timidly. The word madame seemed to flatter Virginie, who threw her head back and tried to assume a dignified bearing, as she rejoined:
“Montfermeil? that’s in the direction of Sceaux, I believe?”
“No, madame, it’s near Raincy.”