"But ..."
"Oh yes, I remember: I've told you nothing yet!"
He closed his eyes, but pressed his father's hand.
There was a knock at the door; the servant put in her head and said:
"If you please, sir, if you please, Mr. Lot, the barber has come. The mistress asked if it wouldn't be too tiring for you...."
"No," said Lot, "let him come up."
"Aren't you really too tired, Lot?" asked Pauws.
"No. It causes me physical pain to look as I do now."
The barber entered with a hesitating but cheerful step: he had a round, jovial face.
"Come along, Figaro!" said Lot.