"Michel, you are lacking in all the traditions of hospitality. You forget the 'Odyssey,' my dear fellow, and I am distressed at you. Why do you want to know my friend's name? Isn't it enough if I tell you he is a man of good birth?"
"Are you sure he is a man at all?"
The count and Petit-Pierre burst out laughing.
"So you insist on knowing the names of those you receive in your house?"
"Not for my sake, my dear Henri,--not for mine, I swear to you; but in the château de la Logerie--"
"Well?--in the château de la Logerie?"
"I am not master."
"Oh! then the Baronne Michel is mistress. I had already told my little friend Petit-Pierre that she might be. But it is only for one night. You could take us to your own room, and I can forage in the cellar and larder. I know the way. My young friend could get a night's rest on your bed, and early in the morning I'll find a better place and relieve you of our presence."
"Impossible, Henri. Do not think that it is for myself, I fear; but it will compromise your safety to let you even enter the château."
"How so?"