"And to think you must put your milk in it—I am really ashamed," said
Mother Arsene.
"So am I! If I were to meet any one on the stairs, holding this glass in my hand like a Roman candlestick, I should burst out laughing, and break the last remnant of Philemon's bazaar, and he would give me his malediction."
"There is no danger that you will meet any one. The first-floor is gone out, and the second gets up very late."
"Talking of lodgers," said Rose-Pompon, "is there not a room to let on the second-floor in the rear house? It might do for Cephyse, when Philemon comes back."
"Yes, there is a little closet in the roof—just over the two rooms of the mysterious old fellow," said Mother Arsene.
"Oh, yes! Father Charlemagne. Have you found out anything more about him?"
"Dear me, no, my girl! only that he came this morning at break of day, and knocked at my shutters. 'Have you received a letter for me, my good lady?' said he—for he is always so polite, the dear man!—'No, sir,' said I.'—'Well, then, pray don't disturb yourself, my good lady!' said he; 'I will call again.' And so he went away."
"Does he never sleep in the house?"
"Never. No doubt, he lodges somewhere else—but he passes some hours here, once every four or five days."
"And always comes alone?"