"Now you can no longer yield your turn to anybody," said the barber, offering a chair to the stranger. "In truth I cannot shave you; you have not enough on your chin; but without doubt you came for something, and I am at your service, monsieur."
"Yes," said the young man with an embarrassed air, turning his eyes towards the back shop, "I should like—my hair is too long, and—"
"Seat yourself here, seigneur bachelor; you will find that I am skilful; my hand is as well accustomed to the scissors as to the razor."
The young man decided at last to intrust his head to the barber, but as soon as the latter paused for a moment he profited by it to turn and look into the back shop.
"Are you looking for anything, monsieur?" said Touquet, whom this trick did not escape.
"No—no. I was only looking to see if you were alone here."
"Yes, monsieur; you see I have no need of anybody to help me in order to satisfy my customers."
"Indeed, someone told me you were extremely skilful."
"And monsieur has had time to judge of my talent, he has been nearly two hours in my shop."
"I had nothing pressing to do; and then, I wished to obtain some information of you. Tell me, my friend, who occupies the first story of this house."