At this moment the mistress of the establishment entered, bringing the Citizen Gracchus his soup and half-pint.
This did not suit either the patriot or Gracchus, who evidently had still some communications to make to each other.
"Madame," said the turnkey, "I have received a slight remuneration from Father Richard to-day, which will permit me to treat myself to some better fare. So bring me a pork cutlet with cucumbers and a bottle of Burgundy wine; send your servant to fetch the one from the pork-butcher's, and bring me the other yourself fresh from the cellar."
The hostess immediately went to execute his orders.
"Well," said the patriot, "you are an intelligent fellow."
"So far intelligent that I do not hide from myself what, notwithstanding all your fine promises, will be the end of us both. Do you suspect what it may be?"
"Yes, perfectly."
"We both stake our necks."
"Do not be uneasy about mine."