"Well?"
"I had not thought of one thing. A whole row of cells is undergoing repair, and the others are full."
"But these wretches may kill him!" said Rigolette, her eyes filling with tears. "And if, by chance, he had any protectors, what could they do for him, sir?"
"Nothing, but enable him to obtain what these debtors who can pay for it obtain,—a chamber, à la pistole."
"Alas, then, he is lost, if they hate him in prison."
"Oh, don't be downhearted, we will look well to him. But I repeat, my dear, do advise him to familiarise himself a little,—the first step is half the battle."
"I will advise him as strongly as I can, sir. But for a good and honest heart it is very hard, you know, to familiarise itself with such people."
"Of two evils we must choose the least. Now I will fetch M. Germain. But now I think of it," said the turnkey, "there are only two visitors; wait until they are gone, there'll not be any more to-day, for it is two o'clock. I will then fetch M. Germain, and you can talk at your ease. I can then, when you are alone, let him come into the passage, so that you will be separated by one grating instead of two. Won't that be better?"
"Ah, sir, how kind you are, and how much I thank you!"
"Hush! Do not let any one hear you, or they may be jealous. Sit down there at the end of the bench, and when this man and woman have gone, I will tell M. Germain."