He took from Felicite's hair a pink satin bow, which she had placed over her right ear in honour of the occasion, cut off a strip of the satin with his dessert knife, and then solemnly fastened it to Rougon's button-hole.

The latter feigned modesty, and pretended to resist.

But his face beamed with joy, as he murmured: "No, I beg you, it is too soon.

We must wait until the decree is published." "Zounds!" Sicardot exclaimed, "will you please keep that! It's an old soldier of Napoleon who decorates you!" The whole company burst into applause.

Felicite almost swooned with delight.