nd on the wings of Caillard.The Toulouse diligence tears us from the abyss, and the abyss is you, O our little beauties!
We return to society, to duty, to respectability, at full trot, at the rate of three leagues an hour.It is necessary for the good of the country that we should be, like the rest of the world, prefects, fathers of families, rural police, and councillors of state.
Venerate us.
We are sacrificing ourselves.Mourn for us in haste, and replace us with speed.
If this letter lacerates you, do the same by it.
Adieu.
"For the space of nearly two years we have made you happy.We bear you no grudge for that. "Signed: BLACHEVELLE. FAMUEIL. LISTOLIER. FELIX THOLOMYES.
"Postscriptum.
The dinner is paid for."
The four young women looked at each other.
Favourite was the first to break the silence.
"Well!" she exclaimed, "it''s a very pretty farce, all the same."
"It is very droll," said Zephine.
"That must have been Blachevelle''s idea," resumed Favourite."It makes me in love with him.
No sooner is he gone than he is loved.This is an adventure, indeed."
"No," said Dahlia; "it was one of Tholomyes'' ideas.
That is evident.
"In that case," retorted Favourite, "death to Blachevelle, and long live Tholomyes!"
"Long live Tholomyes!" exclaimed Dahlia and Zephine.