In spite of her familiar address, Juve noticed the touch of respect in Bobinette's voice—Vagualame played the part of master to this red-haired girl.
"What a long time it is since one had the pleasure of seeing you, my dear Monsieur Vagualame!" There was a touch of malicious irony in Bobinette's tone.
Juve-Vagualame nodded. He would have liked to know what Wilhelmine and Henri were doing in the cemetery, but Bobinette was his query for the moment. Her next remark was startling.
"It looks as though you were afraid to show yourself since your last crime."
Juve repressed any sign of the satisfaction this declaration gave him.
"My last crime?"
"Don't play the blockhead," she went on. "Have you forgotten that you told me how you had assassinated Captain Brocq?"
"That is ancient history," muttered Juve, "... and I am not afraid of anyone.... Besides ... did I tell you that now?" he hinted, with the hope of obtaining further details. But Bobinette seemed to think she had had enough of the subject. She laughed.
"What a way of walking you have!" she exclaimed.
Juve was purposely exaggerating Vagualame's attitude: it enabled him to conceal his face better.