"Monsieur Benoit! Good morning. What has given me the pleasure of this visit?"
"I have come to remind you that it is the 15th of April."
"Already! How time flies, it is extraordinary, I must see about buying a pair of summer trousers. The 15th of April. Good heavens! I should never have thought of it but for you, Monsieur Benoit. What gratitude I owe you for this!"
"You also owe me a hundred and sixty-two francs," replied Monsieur Benoit, "and it is time this little account was settled."
"I am not in any absolute hurry—do not put yourself out, Monsieur Benoit. I will give you time."
"But," said the landlord, "you have already put me off several times."
"In that case let us come to a settlement, Monsieur Benoit, let us come to a settlement, it is all the same to me today as tomorrow. Besides we are all mortal. Let us come to a settlement."
An amiable smile smoothed the landlord wrinkles and even his empty bag swelled with hope.
"What do I owe you?" asked Rodolphe.
"In the first place, we have three months' rent at twenty-five francs, that makes seventy-five francs."