human
What the devil are you doing?
gpt
I am admiring this shawl, as you see; isn't it superb?
human
It is, indeed; but it seems as if I had seen it on somebody.
gpt
You have seen its mate on Madame Plays.
human
Ah! that's it. And what are you doing with this one? Are you in the way of giving your mistresses cashmere shawls?
gpt
Why not! If you should see this shawl on the fair American's shoulders, do you think that she would still laugh at my love?
human
Oh, no! I should be compelled to believe, on the contrary, that you are a fortunate mortal. But it must have been very expensive!
gpt
Five thousand francs!
human
The deuce! it's a present worthy of a prince; but I don't believe she will accept it.
gpt
And I am sure that she will.
human
Has Madame Baldimer returned from the country?
gpt
Yes, last night; and look, do you see this little note?
human
By the perfume alone, I divine that it's from a woman.
gpt
I have just received it; it's from the fair widow, and she expects me at ten this evening.
human
At ten o'clock; she makes appointments for rather a late hour.
gpt
So much the better; I will try to prolong the interview, and not leave her till to-morrow morning.
human
Pending your love rendezvous, will you meet us this evening, a little before nine? We propose to nab Seigneur Pigeonnier, who thinks that a lady is to meet him on Place des Italiens.
gpt
Oh! I will be there, of course. Poor Tobie! we must have a little fun at his expense; but afterward, if he can't pay, I'll lend him five hundred francs, so that he can settle with Monsieur Varinet.
human
The devil! You are a good fellow. Are you in funds?
gpt
My father is so kind to me! he gives me money without being asked.
human
Parbleu! he has nobody left but you; it's right that he should satisfy all your desires.
gpt
But I have been spending too much money for some time past; I mean to reform.
human
Is that why you pay five thousand francs for a shawl?
gpt
This will be my last folly.
human
And you propose to lend Tobie five hundred francs?
gpt
I am so happy! I would like to be able to oblige all my friends.
human
If I had suspected that, thought Célestin,
gpt
I would have invented a story to make him anxious to oblige me too.--Shall we dine together to-day?
human
It is impossible. I promised my father to dine with him. I have done it so seldom lately that he looks on it as a great favor, and he's too kind to me for me not to try to please him.
gpt
You are becoming a model of filial respect!
human
Célestin, exclaimed Albert, in a very sharp tone,
gpt
I allow you to joke about whatever you choose, except my affection for my father; that is a sentiment which must be respected. It seems to me that it would be very unfortunate if there were nothing left in the world to respect.
human
Oh! mon Dieu! don't lose your temper! I had no such purpose as you imagine. Until this evening! we shall expect you at the usual place.