And I would have contented, or, at least, I would clearly have enlightened him, and taught him well never again to expect of me the part of officious soubrette in a love drama; when, following his, soft, eager, murmur, meeting almost his pleading, mellow⁠—“ Do content me, Lucy!” a sharp hiss pierced my ear on the other side.

“ Petite chatte, doucerette, coquette! ” sibillated the sudden boa-constrictor; “ vous avez l’air bien triste, soumis, rêveur, mais vous ne l’êtes pas; c’est moi qui vous le dis: Sauvage! la flamme à l’âme, l’éclair aux yeux! ”

“ Oui; j’ai la flamme à l’âme, et je dois l’avoir! ” 142 retorted I, turning in just wrath: but Professor Emanuel had hissed his insult and was gone.