She picked one of the brats up in her arms to display him to us. M. Étienne asked:
"What man?"
"Why, the one that came for him. The one he went out with."
"And what sort of person was this?"
"Nay, how was I to see? Would I be out walking the common passage with a child to hush? I was rocking the cradle."
"But who does come here to visit M. Bernet?"
"I've never seen any one, monsieur. I've never laid eyes on M. Bernet but twice. I keep in my apartment. And besides, we have only been here a week."
"I thank you, madame," M. Étienne said, turning to the stairs.
She ran out to the rail, babies and all.
"But I could take a message for him, monsieur. I will make a point of seeing him when he comes in."