“Most happy to see you, monsieur, and to know you. My husband has told me so much that is good of you.”
It was thus that the Doctor was received. He was pressed to take his seat at table, and Charlotte speedily appeared with two pots containing the coffee and hot milk.
On this occasion, the illustrious philosopher had once more to remark the sensual spirit of his disciple; for as Charlotte poured out the coffee Coucou Peter cried—
“Give me a great deal of coffee—I’ll tell you why.”
Mathéus made a sign to him to restrain his gluttony; but that did not prevent him from calling out again—
“Give me a great deal of milk—I’ll tell you why.”
“Very well, monsieur—very well,” replied Charlotte, filling the cup up to the brim; then placing the coffee-pots on the table, and waiting to hear Coucou Peter’s explanation.
“Well, what are you waiting for, my dear?” inquired the gay fiddler.
“For you to tell me why you wanted a great deal of coffee and a great deal of milk.”
“Ah!—it’s because I always put a great deal of sugar in my cup,” he replied.