"You have shaved off your beard! What can have induced you to do such a thing ?" My beard, indeed! Alas! I would have given any money for even a moustache! However, the fatal moment was come when I must speak.
"_Mon cher ange_," I began, trying a hoarse whisper, "I--I--the fact is--a bet--" "A bet indeed! The idea of sacrificing such a handsome beard for a mere bet! I never heard of anything so foolish.

But how hoarse you are, Hippolyte!" "All within the last hour," whispered I."I was caught in the storm, just now, and ..." "And have taken cold, for my sake! Alas! my poor, dear friend, why did you wait to speak to me?
Why did you not go home at once, and change your clothes?
Your sleeve, I declare, is still quite damp! Hippolyte, if you fall ill, I shall never forgive myself!" I kissed her hand again.

It was much pleasanter than whispering, and expressed all that was necessary.
"But you have not once asked after poor Bibi!" exclaimed my companion, after a momentary silence.

"Poor, dear Bibi, who has been suffering from a martyrdom with her cough all the afternoon!" Now, who the deuce was Bibi?
She might be a baby.

Or--who could tell ?--she might be a poodle?
On this point, however, I was left uninformed; for my unknown friend, who, luckily, seemed fond of talking and had a great deal to say, launched off into another topic immediately.
"After all," said she, "I should have been wrong not to go to the party! My uncle was evidently pleased with my compliance; and it is not wise to vex one's rich uncles, if one can help it--is it, Hippolyte!" I pressed her hand again.
"Besides, Monsieur Delaroche was not there.