"Yes, monsieur, and even less, if you say so."
"Would you come for eight?"
"Yes," answered Herminie, smiling, in spite of herself.
"We'll say eight francs, then."
"Come, come, M. Bouffard, a wealthy real estate owner like you shouldn't stoop to any such haggling," the marquis interposed. "What! an elector,—perhaps even an officer in the National Guard,—for you seem to me quite equal to such a position—"
M. Bouffard straightened himself up proudly, and, making a military salute, responded:
"A second lieutenant in the first company of the second regiment of the first batallion, M. le marquis."
"All the more reason that you should uphold the dignity of your rank, dear M. Bouffard," replied M. de Maillefort.
"That is true, M. le marquis. I said ten francs, and ten francs it shall be. I always honour my signature. I will go and try to find that young coxcomb. He may be hanging around somewhere outside the house now. I'll ask Mother Moufflon, the portress, if she knows anything about him, and tell her to watch out for him. Your servant, M. le marquis. I'll see you again, day after to-morrow, mademoiselle."
Then, turning again, just as he reached the door, he said to Herminie: