I had not seen Louët since my return from Italy three years before.
"Yes," Jadin went on, "and I am sent to announce the visit to you."
"What! is he by any chance coming to ask satisfaction from me for bringing him into my Impressions de voyage?"
"No, quite the reverse; he is delighted to figure in the book and is coming to ask a favour from you."
"Ah! he will be very welcome. What is it?"
"He wishes to tell you what it is himself."
"Good! I will expect him."
Louët came the next day, and was exactly the same excellent, simple fellow, except that he seemed to have advanced considerably in the art of dressing himself.
"Well, Louët, here you are! Why, my friend, you look like a millionaire."
"Yes, because I am better dressed than formerly; but, otherwise, it is exactly the reverse. I haven't a halfpenny."