"Oh! that won't interfere with me. In fact, I have a customer in your house, just below you,—a gentleman who isn't always steady on his legs; but just at present he seems to walk very well. Would you like me to tell him to come up to see you? You see, he is no fool; he talks better than I do."
"Thanks, Chicotin, I don't need any company; I am never bored when I'm alone, for I know how to read, I like to read; and besides that, I have plenty to think about."
"But not about such miserable things as you thought about yesterday?"
"No, no; that's all over."
"Good. I spoke to you about your neighbor because he ain't a young man and it wouldn't make any gossip; but if you don't want him to come—Ah! here's Mère Lamort with a pitcher in each hand. You will have something nice.—Good-by, mamzelle, I'll come again soon."
On leaving Violette, Chicotin met Monsieur de Roncherolle on the stairs, going up to his room.
"Ah! are you coming from my room, my boy?" said the gouty gentleman when he recognized his usual messenger.
"No, bourgeois, no; I am coming from the room over yours."
"Over mine? What, are there people perched higher than I am? I thought that I acted as lightning rod for the house."
"Oh, no, monsieur, there's a very pretty young girl, who lives all alone above you."