"Since I have noticed two or three days ago their evil intentions toward him, I have advised him to take a room by himself."
"Well?"
"I did not think of one thing. A whole range of cells are comprised in the repairs now going on in the prison, and the others are occupied."
"But these bad men are capable of killing him!" cried Rigolette, with her eyes filled with tears. "If by chance he had some persons interested in his fate, what could they do for him, sir?"
"Nothing more than to obtain what the prisoners can obtain themselves by paying money—a separate cell."
"Alas! then he is lost, if they hate him in the prison."
"Don't disturb yourself; he shall be watched closely. But I repeat, my dear, counsel him to be a little familiar with them; only the first step costs!"
"I will recommend him to do this with all my strength, sir; but for a good and honest heart it is hard to be familiar with such people."
"Of two evils, choose the least. I go to ask for Germain. But, stop," said the warder, reflecting; "there are only two visitors left; as soon as they are gone—no more will come to-day, for it is now two o'clock—I will send for Germain; you can talk more at ease. I can, even, when you are alone, let him enter into the passage, so that you will be separated by one grating instead of two; so much less."
"Oh, sir! how kind you are; how much I thank you!"