ACTE I, SCÈNE VI

1: table: the long counter on which baggage is laid in many French stations, previous to weighing.

2: y: after it. Lit., «there,» i.e. where my baggage is.

3: Il ne… ça: That's not what I mean; lit., «the question is not about that.»

4: le constater: establish that point.

5: Allons donc: see List of Exclamations.

6: aussi: Majorin was in the wrong, too, when he made so indiscreet a request. But then, why on earth do YOU come

7: cinq… an: a hint that he does not expect Perrichon to charge him any interest at all, since only «usurers» would charge five per cent.

8: a de l'ordre: is thrifty.—Il faut ça: a very necessary thing. Lit., «it takes that» (for good management).

9: ça: very contemptuous when used of a person, as in English: And it goes to Switzerland!

10: la balustrade: a railing in front of the ticket window, to keep passengers in single line.