"I have no business with the father now, but with the son; the father ain't the one who's got to marry you! He's given his consent, that's all we can ask of him; he can't force the young man."
"Force him! Oh! I don't want him to be forced, if he no longer loves me; he would be unhappy after he married me."
"Don't you worry, and don't you bother your head any more about it. It's my business now."
Liline wept and held her peace. Sans-Cravate let her weep, because his own experience taught him that there are griefs which admit of no consolation.
The next day, Sans-Cravate had been at his stand less than an hour when he saw Madame Baldimer's maid coming toward him. His heart gave a leap under his waistcoat, because he felt that he was about to learn something of importance.
Rosa went up to him and handed him a folded paper.
"My mistress told me to give you this," she said.
"Thanks, mamzelle," replied Sans-Cravate, taking the paper with a trembling hand.
The maid walked away, while the messenger unfolded the paper and read these words:
"He arrived last night; he is at home."