human
Because you persist in keeping flower pots on your window ledge, mademoiselle, despite the municipal ordinance; and because, very lately, you spattered water on a lady who was passing. I shall be obliged to fine you.
gpt
Mon Dieu! monsieur le commissaire, it's very strange that I could have spattered anybody, watering a small pot of pansies; for I'm always very careful when I water my flowers. Probably some neighbor below me threw the water out into the street, then the lady looked up and saw a flower pot at my window, and so thought it came from there.
human
Still, mademoiselle, your flower pots may cause a serious accident.
gpt
Oh! monsieur le commissaire, just a little pot of pansies!
human
If it should fall on anybody's head, mademoiselle, a pot of pansies might do as much damage as one of poppies. If you are so fond of flowers, why don't you put your pansies on something inside your room? You would enjoy them just as much--yes, more; and there would be no danger to your health, for the pansy has no odor.
gpt
That wouldn't be the same thing; if it was inside my room, he wouldn't see it!
human
Yes, monsieur, faltered the girl, with a smile;
gpt
Very good; he is able to come up very often, I judge, as the pot of pansies seems to be always in evidence; and thus the most innocent of flowers is made to serve the intrigues of lovers!
human
Oh! monsieur, my lover will marry me; I am perfectly sure of it.
gpt
I trust so, mademoiselle; but you must put a wooden bar across your window, so that passers-by will not be in danger; only on that condition can I sanction the flower pot which you use to telegraph to your lover.
human
What, monsieur! if I put a wooden rail, a bar, across, you will allow me to keep flowers at my window?
gpt
Yes; if you do that, you may keep as many there as you choose.
human
Oh! what fun! I will put a rosebush and carnations with my pansies!
gpt
Mon Dieu! mademoiselle! will each of the three be a signal to a lover?
human
I'll put up a bar right away; and I'll keep three flower pots there, monsieur le commissaire; three flower pots!