k again. If you had had some of the
magic compound Apuleius tells us of, and had thereby changed yourself
into a bird, to come and listen to what Blazius and I were saying a
little while ago, you would have heard nothing but good of yourself--a
rare thing that for listeners--and you would have heard some very
enthusiastic praise besides."

"That's charming!" the soubrette exclaimed. "I see that you two are just
the same good old souls as ever, and that you have missed your little
Zerbine."

Several servants now came in, carrying trunks, boxes, portmanteaus,
packages, no end of baggage, which Zerbine counted over and found
correct; and when they had gone she opened two or three of the larger
chests with the keys she had on a small silver ring. They were filled
with all sorts of handsome things--silks and velvets, laces and
jewels--and among the rest a long purse, crammed as full as it could
hold of gold pieces, which Zerbine poured out in a heap on the table;
seeming to take a childish delight in looking at and playing with her
golden treasure, while laughing and chattering merrily all the time.

"Serafina would burst with rage and envy if she should see all this
money," said she gaily, "so we will keep it out of her sight. I only
show it to you to prove that I didn't need to return to my profession,
but was actuated by a pure love of my art. As to you, my good old
friends, if your finances happen to be not just as you could wish, put
your paws into this and help yourselves; take just as much as ever they
will hold."

The two actors thanked her heartily for her generous offer, but assured
her that they were very well off, and in need of no assistance.

"Ah well!" said Zerbine, "it will be for another time then. I shall
put it away in my strong box, and keep it for you, like a faithful
treasurer."

"But surely you haven't abandoned the poor marquis," said Blazius,
rather reproachfully. "Of course I know there was no question of his
giving you up; you are not one of that sort. The role of Ariadne
would not suit you at all; you are a Circe. Yet he is a splendid young
nobleman-handsome, wealthy, amiable, and not wanting in wit."

"Oh! I haven't given him up; very far from it," Zerbine replied, with a
saucy smile. "I shall guard him carefully, as the most precious gem in
my casket. Though I have quitted him for the moment, he will shortly
follow me."

"Fugax sequax, sequax fugax," the pedant rejoined; "these four La