And Dahlia exclaimed:⁠—

“There is Fantine on the point of crying over horses. How can one be such a pitiful fool as that!”

At that moment Favorite, folding her arms and throwing her head back, looked resolutely at Tholomyès and said:⁠—

“Come, now! the surprise?”

“Exactly. The moment has arrived,” replied Tholomyès. “Gentlemen, the hour for giving these ladies a surprise has struck. Wait for us a moment, ladies.”

“It begins with a kiss,” said Blachevelle.

“On the brow,” added Tholomyès.

Each gravely bestowed a kiss on his mistress’s brow; then all four filed out through the door, with their fingers on their lips.

Favorite clapped her hands on their departure.