Mlle H. Do you remember the old nursery rhyme—
"Pluck from the flower its leafy store—
Love me little, love me more;
Hearts change owners, yet combine,
If mine is yours, and yours is mine."
Come, now, let us see if you know which line should be yours. Shall I commence?
Man. If you please.
Mlle H.
"Pluck from the flower it's leafy store—[A pause.]
Love me little, love me more; [A pause.]
Hearts change owners, yet combine,
If——
Man. I respectfully decline."
Mlle H. [Throwing away the flower, which she has been picking to pieces] Then, sir—
Sees Bevannes, who enters.
Indeed, I could look at it all day, it is so beautiful—but I positively must go. Monsieur, an revoir. [Aside to Manuel, as she goes.] You have misunderstood me.