I wish you had never met him again, for he was the cause of your first great misfortune in life." "Was he?
How so ?" asked Godeschal.
The too devoted mother explained succinctly the adventure of her poor Oscar in Pierrotin's coucou.
"I am certain," said Godeschal, "that that blagueur is preparing some trick against us for this evening.

As for me, I can't go to the Marquise de las Florentinas' party, for my sister wants me to draw up the terms of her new engagement; I shall have to leave after the dessert.

But, Oscar, be on your guard.

They will ask you to play, and, of course, the Desroches office mustn't draw back; but be careful.

You shall play for both of us; here's a hundred francs," said the good fellow, knowing that Oscar's purse was dry from the demands of his tailor and bootmaker.