"I have not the least appetite. I took a cup of milk this morning, and I shall take another this evening, with a small piece of bread, and that will be enough for me."
"Then you will not take a dinner with me quietly after we have been to Germain's?"
"Thank you, neighbour; but I am not in spirits,—my heart is too heavy,—another time with pleasure. But the evening when poor Germain leaves his prison, I invite myself, and afterwards you shall take me to the theatre. Is that a bargain?"
"It is, neighbour; and I assure you I will not forget the engagement. But you refuse me this to-day?"
"Yes, M. Rodolph. I should be a very dull companion, without saying a word about the time it would occupy me; for, you see, at this moment, I really cannot afford to be idle, or waste one single quarter of an hour."
"Then, for to-day I renounce the pleasure."
"There is my parcel, neighbour. Now go out first, and I will lock the door."
"Here's a capital pen for you; and now for the parcel."
"Mind you don't rumple it; it is pout-de-soie, and soon creases. Hold it in your hand,—carefully,—there, in that way; that's it. Now go, and I will show you a light."
And Rodolph descended the staircase, followed by Rigolette.