"Well," said I, "you celebrated Christmas."

"Ah! yes, just think, I received a pair of slippers."

"Slippers!"

"Yes, and mine were so worn out that they came very opportunely, and
an anonymous letter which was not signed--that is very natural,
anonymous letters are never signed. And the same day I received a
letter, a visiting card: _The Sisters of the Good Shepherd_."

Everybody laughed.

"What does P.P.C. mean?" I asked.

"Pays Parting Calls."

"Oh, yes, that's true."

"But for some time I have received a great many things, the other
day a bit of broken rock, pierced by an arrow. All the people in the
box shouted with laughter, and so did I. But I saw plainly that he
was furiously angry and suspected everything. It is terrible that
only the most foolish little pranks should be remembered."

"You are very fortunate, I received nothing at all."

"Ah! If you wish, I'll send you some slippers."

"But if they are so big, what should I do with them?"