"Yes, but who are you?"
"I am Champagne, Bourguignon's cousin. I arrived by chance this morning; I brought him news of his family, and the sudden joy overcame him; ask Grabigeon," continued Tapin, showing his assistant, who was finishing an omelet commenced by the landlord's daughter.
"Oh, yes, everything passed exactly as M. Champagne says," replied Grabigeon, wiping away a tear with the handle of his spoon.
"Poor M. Bourguignon! then you think that we should pray for him?"
"There is never any harm in praying," said Tapin, sententiously.
"Ah, stop a minute, give me good measure."
Bourguignon would have groaned in spirit, could he have seen the wine that Tapin gave for her two sous.
"Well," said she, "I will go and tell the neighbors, who are very anxious, and I promise you my custom, M. Champagne; indeed, if M. Bourguignon were not your cousin, I would tell you what I think."
"Oh, tell me, never mind that."
"I perceive that he cheated me shamefully. What you have given me for two sous, he would hardly have given me for four; but if there is no justice here there is in heaven, and it is very providential that you are to continue his business."