"Yes; I have finished."
"Sire, am I permitted to be curious?"
"Why not? Curiosity is natural."
"What did these beggars say, and what did you reply?"
Henri smiled.
"Indeed," continued Chicot, "all is mysterious here."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes; I have never seen alms given in that way."
"It is the custom at Nerac."
"A singular one, sire."