M. Plantat perceived that M. Lecoq guessed his thoughts; and did not understand the detective's capriciousness; a little while before, he had been very loquacious, but now held his tongue. M. Lecoq, on the other hand, was delighted to puzzle the old man a little, and formed the intention to astonish him the next morning, by giving him a report which should faithfully reflect all his ideas. Meanwhile he had taken out his lozenge-box, and was intrusting a hundred secrets to the portrait.
"Well," said the doctor, "there remains nothing more to be done except to retire."
"I was just going to ask permission to do so," said M. Lecoq. "I have been fasting ever since morning."
M. Plantat now took a bold step.
"Shall you return to Paris to-night, Monsieur Lecoq?" asked he, abruptly.
"No; I came prepared to remain over-night; I've brought my night-gown, which I left, before coming up here, at the little roadside inn below. I shall sup and sleep there."
"You will be poorly off at the Faithful Grenadier," said the old justice of the peace. "You will do better to come and dine with me."
"You are really too good, Monsieur—"
"Besides, we have a good deal to say, and so you must remain the night with me; we will get your night-clothes as we pass along."
M. Lecoq bowed, flattered and grateful for the invitation.