So, the
instant Frederic catches sight of the beast before the shop, he picks up
a big stone, as he sees grown-up men do to keep off bad-tempered curs,
and he slinks past close, close under the opposite wall.

That is how he behaved this time; and Louison laughed at him.

She did not make any of those daredevil speeches one generally caps with
others more reckless still. No, she never said a word; she never stopped
singing. But she altered her voice and began singing on such a mocking
note that Frederic reddened to his very ears. Then his little head began
to buzz with many thoughts. He learned that we must dread shame even
more than danger. And he was afraid of being afraid.

So, when school was over and he saw the butcher's dog, he marched
undauntedly past the astonished animal.

History adds that he kept a corner of his eye on Louison to see if
she was looking. It is a true saying that, if there were no dames nor
damsels in the world, men would be less courageous.

CATHERINE'S "AT HOME"

[Illustration: 195]

IT is five o'clock. Mademoiselle Catherine is "at home" to her dolls.
It is her "day." The dolls do not talk; the little Genie that gave them
their smile did not vouchsafe the gift of speech. He refused it for the
general good; if dolls could talk, we should hear nobody but them. Still
there is no lack of conversation. Mademoiselle Catherine talks for her
guests as well as for herself; she asks questions and gives the answers.

"How do you do?--Very well, thank you. I broke my arm yesterday
morning going to buy cakes. But it's quite well now.--Ah! so much the
better.--And how is your little girl?--She has the whooping-cough.--Ah!
what a pity! Does she cough much?--Oh! no, it 's a whooping-cough where
there's no cough. You know I had two more children last week.--Really?
that makes four doesn't it?--Four or five, I've forgotten which. When
you have so many, you get confused.--What a pretty frock you
have.--Oh! I 've got far prettier ones still at home.--Do you go to
the theatre?--Yes, every evening. I was at the Opera yesterday; but
Polichinelle wasn't playing, because the wolf had eaten him.--I go to
dances every day, my dear.--It is so amusing.--Yes, I wear a blue gown
and dance with the young men, Generals, Princes, Confectioners, all the
most distinguished people.--You look as pretty as an angel to-day, my
dear.--Oh! it's the spring.--Yes, but what a pity it's snowing.--_I_
love the snow, becaus