“Do not get angry, young man. It was not my intention to be rude.”
“I know that,” said Eusebe. “On the contrary, you offered me your rolls of tobacco, for which I am obliged.”
“Ah! you are from Monsieur de Pourceaugnac’s neighborhood,” said the other, who until now had remained silent.
“I do not know the gentleman,” replied Eusebe: “my father and I live a very retired life.”
“Naïve, upon my word!” cried the smoker. “He ought to be framed. What, young man! you do not know the gayest of Molière’s heroes?”
“I have never been away from the Capelette, sir, and my condition does not allow me to become acquainted with heroes. I do not even know where Molière is situated.”
The two travellers burst into a hearty laugh.
“Gentlemen,” said Eusebe, when the hilarity of his neighbors had ceased, “you amuse yourselves at my expense, because I am ignorant, which, I think, is any thing but kind of you. You indiscreetly questioned me; I answered: I might have remained silent. Recollect, I beg of you, that you meddled with my affairs, and that I have not concerned myself about yours. I have not asked you whence you come, where you are going, or who you are. When you laughed at me, I might have thrown you out of the window; but I did not do it, and you ought to be thankful.”
“Out of the window! Not so fast, my dear sir.”
“I could certainly have done it,” said Eusebe, with simplicity.