The habitant official stared in blank amazement, the landlord took a glass of brandy to steady himself.
"The Lajeunesse--the Lajeunesse, the singer of all the world--ah, why did she not say so then!" said the churl.

"What would I not do for her! Money--no, it is nothing, but the Lajeunesse, I myself would give my horse to hear her sing." "Tell her she can have M'sieu's horse," said the landlord, excitedly interposing.
"Tiens, who the devil--the horse is mine! If Madame--if she will but let me offer it to her myself!" said the agitated official.

"I sing myself--I know what singing is.

I have sung in an opera--a sentinel in armour I was.

Ah, but bring me to her, and you shall see what I will do, by grace of heaven! I will marry you if you haven't a husband," he added with ardour to the dumfounded Madame Marie, who hurried to the adjoining room.
An instant afterwards the official was making an oration in tangled sentences which brought him a grateful smile and a hand-clasp from Madelinette.