human
Madame, said she,
gpt
Yes, replied the latter,
human
I recognized his ring.
gpt
What will he say?
human
Nothing.
gpt
What do you mean?
human
I shall not open the door.
gpt
You will not admit citizen-general Barras?
human
What? cried Coster de Saint-Victor,
gpt
Yes, replied Mademoiselle Aurélie de Saint-Amour with a laugh,
human
But, madame--
gpt
I am mistress in my own house, said the capricious courtesan,
human
Pardon me, my generous hostess, cried Coster de Saint-Victor;
gpt
And if I admit him only on condition that you do not withdraw?
human
Oh! then I will remain, said Coster,
gpt
Go and open the door, Suzette,
human
Wait for me.
gpt
And what is this I hear, my beauty, said Barras,
human
Yes, my dear general, and my foolish Suzette did not dare to open the door for you. I had to tell her three times, before she would obey me, she was so fearful lest one of the combatants had come to demand shelter. In vain I told her that it was your ring. I thought I should be obliged to open the door for you myself. But to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit this evening?
gpt
A first representation at the Feydeau this evening; and I will take you if you will go with me.
human
No, thank you; all this firing and shouting has upset my nerves. I am not well and I prefer to remain at home.
gpt
Very well; but as soon as the piece is over I shall come and ask you for some supper.
human
Ah! you did not let me know in time, and I have nothing to offer you.
gpt
Do not worry about that, pretty one; I will pass Garchi's on my way to the theatre and will leave an order for them to send a bisque, a bechamel, a cold pheasant, some shrimps, some ice-cream and fruit--a mere trifle, you perceive.
human
My dear friend, you had much better let me go to bed. I warn you that I shall be very cross.
gpt
I will not prevent your going to bed. You can take supper in bed and be cross as comfortably as possible.
human
You insist?
gpt
No, I implore. You know, madame, that you are sole mistress here, and that you have but to order, and that I, as the first of your servants, will obey.
human
Oh! can I refuse a man who speaks like that? Go to the theatre, my lord, and your humble servant will await your return.
gpt
My dear Aurélie, you are simply adorable, and I do not see why I have not had bars put at your windows like those of Rosine.
human
What would be the good! You are the Count of Almaviva.
gpt
There is no Cherubino hidden in your boudoir?
human
I will not say 'Here is the key,' but 'It is in the door.'
gpt
Well, see how magnanimous I am; if he is there I am going to give him time to escape. Au revoir, my beautiful goddess of love; expect me in an hour.
human
Very well. And when you come back you must tell me about the play. I shall like that better than if I had seen it myself.
gpt
Certainly, only I do not promise to sing it to you.
human
When I want to hear singing, my good friend, I will send for Garat.
gpt
And let it be said in passing, my dear Aurélie, that I think you send for him rather too often.
human
Oh! do not be uneasy about that. He is protected by Madame Krüdener. She keeps as close to him as his shadow.
gpt
They are putting up a pretty romance between them.
human
Yes, in action.
gpt
Are you not a little malicious?
human
Faith, no; I do not care enough. I leave that sort of thing to the great ladies who are virtuous and ugly.
gpt
Once more, won't you come with me to the Feydeau?
human
No.
gpt
Then au revoir.
human
Au revoir.