"This Individual Was Seated by the Stove"
Original Etching by Adrian Marcel
"Yes, there is a room to let on the fourth floor, but you cannot see it now,—Alfred has gone out."
"You are speaking of your son, I presume, madame; may I take the liberty of asking whether he is expected in shortly?"
"I am not speaking of my son, but my husband. I suppose there is no act of parliament why my Pipelet should not be called 'Alfred.' Is there, pray?"
"None, certainly, madame, that I am aware of; but, with your kind permission, I will await his return. I am very desirous of taking the vacant chamber,—both the street and neighbourhood suit me; and the admirable order in which the house seems kept pleases me excessively. But, previously to viewing the lodging I am anxious to take, I should be very glad to ascertain whether you, madame, could do me the favour to take the management of my little housekeeping off my hands? I never like to have any one about me but the authorised housekeeper belonging to the house, when such arrangements meet with their approbation."
This proposition, so flatteringly expressed, and the word "housekeeper" completely won Madame Pipelet, who replied:
"With the greatest of pleasure, sir, I will attend to all you require. I am sure I shall be proud to wait upon such a gentleman; and, for the small charge of six francs a month, you shall be treated like a prince."