"It is not precisely that which deprives me of the pleasure of taking up my abode under your roof, my dear sir, but—"
"Come, I'll let you have those rooms for two hundred and fifty francs, with a small cellar thrown in, if you want it."
"Impossible, my dear sir, impossible."
"Call it two hundred and forty, then, and say no more about it."
"I am obliged to call your attention to the fact that mademoiselle's room is not the place for this haggling, monsieur."
Then turning to Herminie and bowing profoundly, the young duke said:
"Believe me, mademoiselle, I shall always retain a most delightful recollection of this first and last interview."
The girl bowed graciously, but without raising her eyes, and Gerald departed, resolutely pursued by M. Bouffard, who seemed determined not to lose his prey.
But Gerald remained obdurate in spite of the landlord's tempting offers. The ex-grocer persisted in his efforts, so Gerald, to get rid of him, and perhaps also to have an opportunity to think over his meeting with Herminie, quickened his pace and told the landlord that he intended to extend his walk as far as the fortifications. So he started off, leaving M. Bouffard in despair at having missed this fine opportunity to rent those charming third story rooms.
A road leading to the fortifications intersected the Rue de Monceau near this point. Gerald took it, and then strolled slowly along, absorbed in a profound reverie.