"Poor horse!" Fantine said with a sigh; and Dahlia shouted,—
"Why, here is Fantine beginning to feel pity for horses: how can she be such a fool!"
At this moment, Favourite crossed her arms and threw her head back; she then looked boldly at Tholomyès, and said,—
"Well, how about the surprise?"
"That is true, the hour has arrived," Tholomyès answered. "Gentlemen, it is time to surprise the ladies. Pray wait for us a moment."
"It begins with a kiss," said Blacheve.
"On the forehead," Tholomyès added.
Each solemnly kissed the forehead of his mistress: then they proceeded to the door in Indian file, with a finger on their lip. Favourite clapped her hands as they went out.
"It is amusing already," she said.
"Do not be long," Fantine murmured, "we are waiting for you."