PREPARATIONS.
The Chouette returned to the room, bringing the cigars with her.
"I don't think it rains now," said Rodolph, lighting his cigar. "Suppose we go and fetch the coach ourselves,—it will stretch our legs."
"What! not rain!" replied the Schoolmaster; "are you blind? Do you think I will expose Finette to the chance of catching cold, and exposing her precious life, and spoiling her new shawl?"
"You are right, old fellow; it rains cats and dogs. Let the servant come and we can pay him, and desire him to fetch us a coach," replied Rodolph.
"That's the most sensible thing you have said yet, young fellow; we may go and look about as we seek the Allée des Veuves."
The servant entered, and Rodolph gave her five francs.
"Ah, sir, it is really an imposition,—I cannot allow it," exclaimed the Schoolmaster.
"Oh, all right; your turn next time."
"Be it so, but on condition that I shall offer you something, by and by, in a little cabaret in the Champs Elysées,—a capital little snuggery that I know of."