Fortune is on his side again, for there is the young woman who might catch the eye of any, looking just as delightful as he had recalled. Loosely engaged in conversation with a former fellow student, Grantaire continues speaking as she approaches... And as she pauses (not, he thinks, without having seen him). Another fortuitous sign, and he excuses himself abruptly, moving directly toward Irma.

"What vision is this? What freshness breaking through the dismal crowd?" Grantaire smiles broadly as he stops before her, permitting himself to take in the sight. "Mademoiselle Boissy, it is a pleasure to see you again.

"But perhaps I speak prematurely. Is it too much to presume that you recall this humble face or this voice that sounds such nonsense? Or may I hope that I have taken residence in some small portion of your memory?"