"Oh, I have not much to complain of: I can get leave pretty easily."
"And that is always pleasant," remarked the man in the fur coat. "Young soldiers in garrison towns have a deuced poor time of it—is that not so?... And they do not know how to amuse themselves when they have leave.... But, no doubt you have friends here, Corporal?"
"I do not know a soul in Verdun."
"Ah, well, since you have been so obliging, it would give me pleasure to introduce you to some people, if you would care for it?... You would find them amusing."
"You have friends in Verdun, sir?" asked Fandor in his turn.
"I know a few people: so does the abbé who accompanies me. I have it!... an idea ... Corporal, come at six o'clock this evening ... no, seven o'clock, and very punctually, and ask for me at the printing office of the Noret Brothers. They are real good fellows! You will find some youngsters of your own age there. You will find you have much in common. I am sure they will prove useful acquaintances."
The man in the fur coat accented the word "useful."
This told Fandor that there was business on hand at the printing works—and he was to be involved in it.
"You are really too kind, sir!... I do not wish to."...
"Not at all! Not at all! It is nothing! And you have been so obliging!... Come to the Noret's at seven without fear of being considered an intruder!"