It is for the poor." And the adorable little dimple in her chin became apparent.

She assumed her favorite pose, her amiable baby expression, as she held the pile of five-franc pieces on her open palm and offered it to the men, as though she were saying to them, "Now then, who wants some ?" The count was the sharper of the two.

He took fifty francs but left one piece behind and, in order to gain possession of it, had to pick it off the young woman's very skin, a moist, supple skin, the touch of which sent a thrill through him.

She was thoroughly merry and did not cease laughing.
"Come, gentlemen," she continued.

"Another time I hope to give more." The gentlemen no longer had any pretext for staying, and they bowed and went toward the door.