“He is not here.”
“He has, however, returned here; I know it, Monsieur Goefle.”
“Look for him, but not in my apartment. I am at work, and wish to be quiet. This is the third time that you have disturbed me.”
“I ask a thousand pardons, monsieur, but since you share your room with him, I thought I might come again to convey his lordship’s orders to this comedian.”
“His orders—what orders?”
“In the first place, to get ready his entertainment; then to be at the new chateau at eight precisely, as yesterday; and, in conclusion, to play something very gay.”
“You repeat yourself, my good fellow; you have already told me the same thing twice, and in precisely the same terms—But are you sure that you know what you are saying? Is not the baron seriously ill this evening? While you are prowling round the old chateau like a shadow, are you aware of what is occurring at the new chateau?”
“I have just seen his lordship this very moment,” replied Johan, with his eternal smile of impertinent humility. “His lordship is quite well; and it is because he sent me here that I am forced, to my great regret, to be excessively importunate. Notwithstanding, I must add that his lordship is very desirous of conversing with the honorable M. Goefle during the comedy of marionettes.”
“Very good; I will attend to it. I wish you good-evening.”
Thereupon M. Goefle shut the door in the face of the disappointed Johan.