The two worthies passed the city wall to the outer boulevards, and walked toward Barrière de la Chopinette. When they were within three hundred feet of the house where he had left Chérubin, Daréna stopped and said to his companion:
“Now, go on alone, illustrious Poterne, and manage the business gracefully; remember that the whole thing must be carried through with the courtesy and formality which betray men of breeding.”
Poterne went on to the house and knocked softly at the door, which Bruno opened.
“Are they upstairs?” queried Poterne in a low voice.
“Yes.”
“Have they had their breakfast?”
“It went up more’n two hours ago.”
“And they haven’t called since?”
“Not a call; and they don’t even make any noise—you can’t hear ‘em move.”
“All right.”