"Why, I consider it but an act of justice, as well as gratitude, to offer you a sum which, if left several months on my hands, the girl must soon have cost me."
"Ah, well, then, since I can serve you by accepting your hundred francs, of course I have no further objection, M. Rodolph; but we drew a famous prize in the lottery when you came into the house, and I don't care who hears me say it, for I'd as lief cry it on the housetops. You are the very prince and king of good lodgers! Halloa, there is a hackney-coach! No doubt, the lady M. Bradamanti expects; I could not manage to see her well when she came yesterday, but I'll have a precious good stare at her this time; added to which, I've got a capital plan for finding out her name. Come, you shall see me go to work; it will be a famous lark for us!"
"No, I thank you, Madame Pipelet; I have not the slightest curiosity respecting either the name or features of this lady," returned Rodolph, withdrawing to the very end of the lodge.
"Where do you wish to go, madame?" cried Anastasie, rushing towards the female, who was entering.
"I am going to M. Bradamanti's," returned the person addressed, visibly annoyed at having her progress thus arrested.
"He is not at home."
"You are mistaken."
"Oh, no, I am not!" said the porteress, skilfully contriving so to place herself as to command a perfect view of the stranger's features. "M. Bradamanti has gone out, positively, absolutely gone out; that is to say, he is not at home, except to one lady."
"'Tis I, he expects me; and pray, my good woman, allow me to pass; you are really troublesome!"
"Your name, madame, if you please? I shall soon see if it is the name of the person M. Bradamanti desired me to admit. Should yours not be the right name, you don't go up-stairs, unless you first trample on my body!"