"After all, I was a great fool not to answer. Probably no one has gone out so early as this, and I don't risk anything by saying they're in; and then, even if they should be out, what do I care?"
Soon various other persons appeared at the window.
"Is Madame Duponceau visible?"
"Yes, yes, she's there."
"Is Monsieur Bretonneau in?"
"He's there, he's there."
"Is there anybody at Mademoiselle Crémailly's?"
"She's there, she's there."
"Then she's back from the country?"
"She's there!"