He thought that he might get an article out of it--with the help of Count Ploare and Zoug-Zoug.

Who was Zoug-Zoug?
He exulted in her picturesqueness, and he determined to lie in wait.
He thought it a pity that Comte Ploare was not an Englishman or an American; but it couldn't be helped.

Yes, she was, as he said to himself, "a stunner." Meanwhile he watched Gaston, noted his intense interest.
Presently the girl stopped beside the cage.

A chariot was brought out, and the two lions were harnessed to it.

Then she called out another larger lion, which came unwillingly at first.