"You can get nothing better than a garret, a kennel for that price. You may go as high as two hundred francs,—two hundred and fifty."
"In that case, bourgeois, I'll find you something fine, a little palace; I propose that you shall be more comfortable than you are now."
"You won't have much difficulty about that; try not to make me go up too many stairs."
"Pardi! for two hundred and fifty francs you ought to be able to obtain a magnificent lodging on the first floor."
"I don't think it. However, attend to it at once."
Three days after this conversation, Chicotin entered Roncherolle's room with a triumphant air; he found him getting better, and walking about the room.
"Here I am, bourgeois, I've found what you want. I think you'll be satisfied; but lodgings are dearer than I thought; I couldn't find a lodging on the first floor for your two hundred and fifty francs."
"Well, what have you found?"
"I have found two pleasant little rooms, for two hundred francs, no more; fresh paper, not colored, but you can put one on; and a view—oh! such a view! as good as if you was on the Arc de Triomphe; and all the conveniences right at your door; and a waxed staircase, not up to the top, but as far as the third floor."
"What floor is this apartment on?"