“You see, she eats a good deal, this hen does; why, she’s always hungry; and what I get for the eggs won’t buy enough grain for her.”
Beauregard began to laugh as he watched the peasant’s weasel face.
“Does it make monsieur laugh because I say this hen needs a lot of grain?”
“No; I was simply thinking that you understand business perfectly; but never fear, I’ll reimburse you in full for all this fowl costs you.”
“Oh! I ain’t afraid, monsieur; I said that just to warn you, because I rather think monsieur don’t belong round here?”
“No, I have never been to Chelles until to-day.”
“And I can guess why monsieur has come to-day!”
“You can guess?”
“I see by monsieur’s looks that he must be one of Monsieur and Madame de Belleville’s guests, and that he’s come for the party they’re going to give at their place to-day.”
“I am, as you say, acquainted with the persons you mention.”