“Not very, compared with what you’re going to hear next.”
The first notes of a polka sounded, and he turned his head. His hearers trembled lest he should have the heart to leave them a second time with their mouths watering. Quite a group decided to mass themselves near the door and bar his passage.
“You’re warm. It wouldn’t be wise,” observed Mr. Latache.
And the lawyer Coulanges, adopting a different method, began to cast doubts upon the famous piece of news that had been promised them. Thereupon the news gatherer opened his mouth to let loose his prey.
“Very well, then. You don’t know that Mr. Frasne acquires for nothing the fine estate of La Vigie, worth about two hundred thousand francs.”
Exclamations of incredulity met him on all sides.
“You don’t say so!”
“You’re laughing at us.”
Mr. Battard and Mr. Vallerois, the district attorney, who had been chatting at a distance, came up at this moment, their ears alert for news.
“Exactly,” said the orator. “For nothing.”