“Postscriptum. The dinner is paid for.”
The four young women looked at each other.
Favourite was the first to break the silence.
“Well!” she exclaimed, “it’s a very pretty farce, all the same.”
“It is very droll,” said Zéphine.
“That must have been Blachevelle’s idea,” resumed Favourite. “It makes me in love with him. No sooner is he gone than he is loved. This is an adventure, indeed.”
“No,” said Dahlia; “it was one of Tholomyès’ ideas. That is evident.
“In that case,” retorted Favourite, “death to Blachevelle, and long live Tholomyès!”
“Long live Tholomyès!” exclaimed Dahlia and Zéphine.
And they burst out laughing.