"Well, what is your pleasure, Monsieur le Comte?" asked the landlord, in a quiet tone.
"Ah, that's better; is it not?" said Coconnas, turning to La Mole, who nodded affirmatively. "Monsieur le Comte and myself, attracted by the sign of your establishment, wish to sup and sleep here to-night."
"Gentlemen," said the host, "I am very sorry, but I have only one chamber, and I am afraid that would not suit you."
"So much the better," said La Mole; "we will go and lodge somewhere else."
"By no means," said Coconnas, "I shall stay here; my horse is tired. I will have the room, since you will not."
"Ah! that is quite different," replied the host, with the same cool tone of impertinence. "If there is only one of you I cannot lodge you at all, then."
"By Heaven!" cried Coconnas, "here's a witty animal! Just now you could not lodge us because we were two, and now you have not room for one. You will not lodge us at all, then?"
"Since you take this high tone, gentlemen, I will answer you frankly."
"Answer, then; only answer quickly."
"Well, then, I should prefer not to have the honor of lodging you at all."