"Well, mon cher," said the vicomte, having seated himself beside Hippolyte in the carriage, "your little princess is very nice, very nice indeed, quite French," and he kissed the tips of his fingers.

Hippolyte burst out laughing.

"Do you know, you are a terrible chap for all your innocent airs," continued the vicomte.

" I pity the poor husband, that little officer who gives himself the airs of a monarch.