"Shut him up when you catch him," said Sylvie, "but in a safe place."
"And make you turnkey over him," suggested Jean, winking. "She would like to take him his bread and water."
"Stop your joking, brother," said Chon; "the young fellow saw your row over the post-horses, and he is to be feared if you set him against you."
"How can he live without means?"
"Tut, he will hold horses or run errands."
"Never mind him; come to our observatory."
Brother and sister approached the window with infinity of precautions. Jean had provided himself with a telescope.
Andrea had dropped her needlework, put up her feet on a lower chair, taken a book, and was reading it with some attention, for she remained very still.
"Fie on the studious person!" sneered Chon.