is my neighbor, Gisquette la Gencienne, who wishes to speak
with you."

"Not so," replied Gisquette, blushing; "it was Liénarde
who called you master; I only told her to say messire."

The two young girls dropped their eyes. The man, who
asked nothing better than to enter into conversation, looked
at them with a smile.

"So you have nothing to say to me, damsels?"

"Oh! nothing at all," replied Gisquette.

"Nothing," said Liénarde.

The tall, light-haired young man retreated a step; but the
two curious maidens had no mind to let slip their prize.

"Messire," said Gisquette, with the impetuosity of an
open sluice, or of a woman who has made up her mind,
"do you know that soldier who is to play the part of Madame
the Virgin in the mystery?"

"You mean the part of Jupiter?" replied the stranger.

"Hé! yes," said Liénarde, "isn't she stupid? So you know
Jupiter?"

"Michel Giborne?" replied the unknown; "yes, madam."