And he gave a fierce look at Rodolph.
"And I will spring upon him and help you, fourline," cried the Chouette.
Rodolph made no reply, but shrugged his shoulders, and, pouring out a glass of wine, tossed it off. His coolness deceived the Schoolmaster.
"I only put you on your guard."
"Well, then, put up your 'larding-pin' into your pocket; you have no chicken to lard now. I am an old cock, and know my game as well as most," said Rodolph. "But, to our business."
"Yes, let us talk of business; but do not speak against my 'larding-pin;' it makes no noise, and does not disturb anybody."
"And does its work as should be; doesn't it, fourline?" added the old beldam.
"By the way," said Rodolph to the Chouette, "do you really know the Goualeuse's parents?"
"My man has in his pocket two letters about it, but she shall never see them,—the little slut! I would rather tear her eyes out with my own hands. Oh, when I meet her again at the tapis-franc, won't I pay her off—"
"There, that'll do, Finette; we have other things to talk of, and so leave off your gossip."