"Why, first of all, tell me what is the meaning of your new sign?"
"Our new sign?"
"Yes; the small printed board."
"Printed board!"
"To be sure; that black board with red letters, hung over the door leading from the alley up to your lodge."
"What, out in the street?"
"In the street, I tell you, precisely over your door."
"I wish I may die if I understand a single word of what you are talking about! Do you, old dear?"
Alfred spoke not.
"Certainly," continued Madame Séraphin, "since it relates to M. Pipelet, he can best explain to me what this board means."