"And I with thirty thousand francs which I have labored to save—fruits of my toil—souvenirs of years of self-denial——"
"What! Thirty thousand francs! Bah! Thirty thousand debts, you mean——"
"I mean nothing of the sort," said Asticot simply. "If you doubt my word, I will show them to you some day. Linette, you know me——"
"I tell you I don't!"
Warner could hear Magda laughing, and Madame Arlon making caustic comments concerning the financial solvency of Asticot and the manner in which he wore his hair.
"As for that," rejoined Asticot, "I can trim my hair to please Linette——"
"That," exclaimed Linette, exasperated, "is impossible! Only a machine that will trim your neck close to your shoulders might interest me, Monsieur Asticot!"
"Woman!" said Asticot, unruffled. "Tenez, M'amzelle! That is what I think of woman—charming, capricious, enchanting woman! I salute your incomparable sex!" And Warner heard him kiss his own palm with a vigorous smack.
"Imbecile!" cried Linette. "Put on a uniform before you have the impudence to make love to an honest girl!"
"I am going to," said Asticot triumphantly.