“My friend,” says he, “your affairs do not concern me in the least. You are old enough to know how to conduct yourself. But if you wish to hear a bit of good advice I will say—beware!”
“Of what? Of whom?”
“Of everybody in general and in particular of—Madame Catherine.”
“The gamekeeper’s wife?” said Firmin, with an egotistical leer.
“To be sure. There are not two Catherines.”
“Why do you say ‘beware’?”
“Why? Are you a fool?”
“I hope not.”
“Well, my friend, you now have the appearance——”
“O Andoche!”