“What do you want?”
“First of all, to see you. Is it possible that Léon does not recognize me?”
Surprised at being addressed by his baptismal name, the young man bestowed a contemptuous glance upon Auguste and said:
“Deuce take me if I know you. Can it be that we have ever had anything to do with each other?”
“Yes, monsieur, for Auguste Dalville has had the privilege of doing you a favor more than once.”
“Auguste Dalville!” cried the young man, turning his head once more; “what! can it be you, my dear fellow?”
“Myself!”
“Oh! it’s impossible! you are dressed like a highwayman! Are you just out of prison?”
“No, thank God! unfortunate as I am, I have never put myself in the way of being imprisoned.”
“Look you, my dear fellow, that doesn’t prevent one’s being an honest man; I’ve been to Sainte-Pélagie more than once myself, and it’s likely that I shall go again. Poor Auguste!—Damn this knot! I shall never get it tied.—Well, what chance brings you here, my dear friend? You haven’t been seen anywhere for a century.”