M. LOYAL.

Nay,-I am wrong again. I thought Her air delightfully untaught!

HORTENSE.

But you amuse me—

M. LOYAL.

Still her dress,

Her dress at least, you must confess

ARMANDE.

Is odious simply! JACOTOT

Did not supply that lace, I know;
And where, I ask, has mortal seen
A hat unfeathered!

M. LOYAL.

"Myrtilla (lest a Scandal rise

The Lady's Name I thus disguise),
Dying of Ennui, once decided,—
Much on Resource herself she prided,—
To choose a Hat. Forthwith she flies
On that momentous Enterprise.
Whether to Petit or Legros,

I know not: only this I know;—
Head-dresses then, of any Fashion,
Bore Names of Quality or Passion.
Myrtilla tried them, almost all:
'Prudence,' she felt, was somewhat small;
'Retirement' seemed the Eyes to hide;
'Content' at once she cast aside.

'Simplicity,'-'twas out of place;
'Devotion,' for an older face;
Briefly, Selection smaller grew,
'Vexatious! odious!'-none would do!

Then, on a sudden, she espied

One that she thought she had not tried:

Becoming, rather,-edged with green,'

Roses in yellow, Thorns between.

"Quick! Bring me that!' 'Tis brought. Complete,

Divine, Enchanting, Tasteful, Neat,'

In all the Tones. And this you call-?' "ILL-NATURE," Madame. It fits all."

F

HORTENSE.

A thousand thanks! So naïvely turned !

ARMANDE.

So useful too... to those concerned!

'Tis yours?

M. LOYAL.

Ah no,—some cynic wit's ;

And called (I think)—

(Placing his hat upon his breast),

"The Cap that Fits."

This way, then.

(They enter the Chalet.)

You are as changing, Child,— -as Men.

NINON.

But are they? Is it true, I mean?

Who said it?

NINETTE.

Sister SERAPHINE.

She was so pious and so good,

With such sad eyes beneath her hood,
And such poor little feet,—all bare !
Her name was EUGENIE LA FÈRE.
She used to tell us,-moonlight nights,—
When I was at the Carmelites.

NINON.

Ah, then it must be right. And yet,
Suppose for once-suppose, Ninette—

But what?

NINETTE.

NINON.

Suppose it were not so ?

Suppose there were true men, you know!

And then?

NINETTE.

NINON.

Why, if that could occur,

What kind of man should you prefer?

NINETTE.

What looks, you mean?

NINON.

Looks, voice and all.