The door opened, and Mrs. Seraphin, housekeeper of Jacques Ferrand, entered.
"Good-day, Mrs. Seraphin," said Mrs. Pipelet, who, wishing to conceal from a stranger her domestic sorrows, assumed a very gracious and smiling air; "what can I do to serve you?"
"First, tell me, then, what is your new sign?"
"New sign?"
"The little sign."
"A little sign?"
"Yes, black with red letters, which is nailed over the door of your alley."
"In the street?"
"Why, yes, in the street, just over your door."
"My dear Mrs. Seraphin, may I never speak again, if I understand a word; and you, old darling?" Alfred remained dumb.