The servant continued to dust the furniture as she listened to this harangue; when it was at an end, she replied:
"Monsieur Chamoureau went out early; he's sure to be back soon; if you'd like to wait—monsieur here has been waiting a quarter of an hour."
Monsieur Beaubichon cast a sidelong glance at the man from the country, who put his hand to his hat; whereupon the professor concluded to touch his own slightly and to address his companion.
"Is monsieur also awaiting Monsieur Chamoureau?"
"Yes, monsieur, with your permission."
"I have no intention of objecting. Would monsieur care to learn bookkeeping, double or single entry?"
"Me! learn bookkeeping! God bless me! what for?"
"What for? why, in order to know it."
"And what use would it be to me?"
"Why, to keep your books; to have everything down in black and white!"