Passedix therefore seemed but little surprised when he saw two persons halt in front of him, bow to the ground, and remain in that humble posture, which prevented him from going forward.
"What is it? what is the matter? what do you want, little fellows?" queried the chevalier, caressing his chin with one hand and placing the other on his hip.
"Monsieur le Chevalier de Passedix, permit us to offer you our respects; we are so happy to have this honor! Does not monsieur le chevalier recognize us?"
"Sandis! how do you suppose that I can recognize you? you show me only your posteriors!—Rise, if you wish me to see your faces!"
Bahuchet and Plumard stood erect, the latter having decided to uncover his head.
"Ah! cadédis! now I recognize you, my knaves!—This is the little bald-head!—It was you who sold me the famous orange costume that you filched from the dealer in second-hand clothes!"
"He was my uncle, monsieur le chevalier—an old skinflint, who gave it to me and then accused me——"
"Oh! it matters little now; I have forgotten that trifle!—But you seem to me, both of you, to be in rather a sorry plight!"
"Alas! monsieur le chevalier, we are without employment. Maître Bourdinard—er—discharged us, on the pretext that we ate too much!"
"The idiot! I would like to be able to eat too much, myself; but for some time past my appetite has fallen off; it is becoming as whimsical as a woman."