human
Who is there?
gpt
A friend--the oldest of the old, replied a sonorous, jovial voice.
human
Why do you lock yourself in?
gpt
What! is it you, Ninny Moulin?
human
Yes, my beloved pupil. Open quickly. Time presses.
gpt
Open to you? Oh, I dare say!--that would be pretty, the figure I am!
human
I believe you! what does it matter what figure you are? It would be very pretty, thou rosiest of all the roses with which Cupid ever adorned his quiver!
gpt
Go and preach fasting and morality in your journal, fat apostle!
human
I say! are we to talk much longer through the door, for the greater edification of our neighbors? cried Ninny Moulin.
gpt
I have something of importance to tell you--something that will astonish you--
human
Give me time to put on my gown, great plague that you are!
gpt
If it is because of my modesty, do not think of it. I am not over nice. I should like you very well as you are!
human
Only to think that such a monster is the favorite of all the churchgoers!
gpt
So! you have at last returned to the dovecot, you stray girl! said Ninny Moulin, folding his arms, and looking at Rose-Pompon with comic seriousness.
human
And where may you have been, I pray? For three days the naughty little bird has left its nest.
gpt
True; I only returned home last night. You must have called during my absence?
human
I came, every day, and even twice a day, young lady, for I have very serious matters to communicate.
gpt
Very serious matters? Then we shall have a good laugh at them.
human
Not at all--they are really serious, said Ninny Moulin, seating himself.
gpt
But, first of all, what did you do during the three days that you left your conjugal and Philemonic home? I must know all about it, before I tell you more.
human
Will you have some olives?
gpt
Is that your answer?--I understand!--Unfortunate Philemon!
human
There is no unfortunate Philemon in the case, slanderer. Clara had a death in her house, and, for the first few days after the funeral she was afraid to sleep alone.
gpt
I thought Clara sufficiently provided against such fears.
human
There you are deceived, you great viper! I was obliged to go and keep the poor girl company.
gpt
You think I have played Philemon tricks?
human
I do not say tricks; but one little rose-colored trick.
gpt
I tell you, that it was not for my pleasure I went out. On the contrary--for, during my absence, poor Cephyse disappeared.
human
Yes, Mother Arsene told me that the Bacchanal-Queen was gone on a journey. But when I talk of Philemon, you talk of Cephyse; we don't progress.
gpt
May I be eaten by the black panther that they are showing at the Porte Saint-Martin if I do not tell you the truth. And, talking of that, you must get tickets to take me to see those animals, my little Ninny Moulin! They tell me there never were such darling wild beasts.
human
Now really, are you mad?
gpt
Why so?
human
That I should guide your youth, like a venerable patriarch, through the dangers of the Storm-blown Tulip, all well and good--I ran no risk of meeting my pastors and masters; but were I to take you to a Lent Spectacle (since there are only beasts to be seen), I might just run against my sacristans--and how pretty I should look with you on my arm!
gpt
You can put on a false nose, and straps to your trousers, my big Ninny; they will never know you.
human
We must not think of false noses, but of what I have to tell you, since you assure me that you have no intrigue in hand.
gpt
I swear it! said Rose-Pompon, solemnly, extending her left hand horizontally, whilst with her right she put a nut into her mouth. Then she added, with surprise, as she looked at the outside coat of Ninny Moulin,
human
Goodness gracious! what full pockets you have got! What is there in them?
gpt
Something that concerns you, Rose-Pompon,
human
Me?
gpt
Rose-Pompon! said Ninny Moulin, suddenly, with a majestic air;
human
Now for some more nonsense! Come, will you eat the olives? If not, I shall eat them all up. There is only one left.