"Oh! I hear the bell well enough, and I've heard it a long while, monsieur; but it's no use going to see; I have been once."
"But the gentleman in the bath is calling."
"Yes; and I tell you that I went to see what he wanted. He wants his esquire—that's what he wants; but I am not his esquire."
"His esquire!" cried Plumard, placing his glass on the table. "The devil! you should have told me; I am his esquire!"
"I called you, but you didn't answer."
"Fichtre! I am going to be scolded. I must hurry; he is ringing as if he would tear everything to pieces."
Plumard entered the cabinet where Passedix was bathing; he found him exasperated, frantic with rage.
"Did monsieur le chevalier ring?"
"Did I ring! knave! gallows-bird! you presume to ask me! Why, I have been ringing an hour!"
"Don't charge it to me, monseigneur; it's the fault of that fool of an attendant. He said nothing to me; I only learned a moment ago that you wanted me. I am terribly distressed, O my master!"