"We are looking for places, monsieur le chevalier, and, i' faith! Plumard and I were strolling along Pont-Neuf, when some ladies, as they passed us, cried: 'Oh! see that handsome man over there, dressed all in apple-green! Just see, my dear, what a fine figure! how well he carries that elegant costume!'—Then we looked in the direction in which the ladies were looking, and on recognizing you, monsieur le chevalier, we were not surprised at the outburst of admiration from those bourgeoises."
Passedix's face fairly beamed with pleasure. He placed his hand on Bahuchet's shoulder, murmuring:
"Really! some ladies said that?"
"Yes, monsieur le chevalier;—isn't it so, Plumard?"
"It is the unadulterated truth; and there was one of them—the younger—who stopped and said in a faltering tone: 'Let us walk toward him!' but her companion, who was older, dragged her away, saying: 'No, no; I see that that cavalier has turned your head; come, you will do some foolish thing!'"
This time Passedix patted the second clerk's skull.
"Ah! capédébious! that young woman was attracted to me.—Ha! ha! these two little rascals are very nice fellows. I rather like this bald head, it reminds me of Dutch cheese, of which I am very fond.—Speaking of cheese, tell me, young men, have you breakfasted, or dined?"
"Neither, monsieur le chevalier; we have fasted since yesterday noon."
"And we have a devilish appetite."
"Why didn't you say so at once!—Come with me; at the end of Rue Saint-Jacques there's a wine shop where the wine is excellent; you will tell me what you think about it."