Dubois wanted a quarrel, and he saw that he must take the initiative. He turned and stopped before the chevalier, who was trying to discover which were the windows of the room in which Helene was.
"My friend," said he roughly, "what are you doing at this hour before this house?"
Gaston was obliged to bring back his thoughts to the materialism of life.
"Did you speak to me, monsieur?" said he.
"Yes," replied Dubois, "I asked what you were doing here."
"Pass on," said the chevalier; "I do not interfere with you; do not interfere with me."
"That might be," said Dubois, "if your presence did not annoy me."
"This lane, narrow as it is, is wide enough for both, monsieur; walk on one side, and I will walk on the other."
"I wish to walk alone," said Dubois, "therefore, I beg you will choose some other window; there are plenty at Rambouillet to choose from."
"And why should I not look at these windows if I choose?" asked Chanlay.