She pointed to a narrow passage that led from the door of the room to a small hanging turret, and from the arched windows of this I saw that I could see all I wanted without being seen myself. The woman seemed to be of the same kidney as her husband, and drove a close bargain, and after much pretended haggling I closed with her terms, and arranged also for her to bring me my meals, explaining that for the next week or so I would stay indoors as my health was not good.
'I understand, monsieur,' she said, showing her teeth.
'Then it is settled, and I will step down and bring up the doublet which I left in the shop.' With these words I counted out the rent and the money for my board, coin by coin, into her hand, as if each piece I disgorged was my last, and then stepping down, found, as I expected, Pantin at the door.
The man was for ordering him away, but his wife insisted on making a purchase, in which I joined, and the fence going upstairs at that time, we three were left together. It was all important to get rid of the woman for a moment or so, and Pantin, seeing this, sold his whole basket load at a price so small that it raised even her astonishment.
'I have sold it for luck,' he said, 'but if madame wishes, I will sell her daily at the same rate.'
'Could you bring me fruit at the same price?' I asked.
'Why not?' he answered.
'Then bring me some to-morrow.'
'Certainly, captain. Where shall I put these, madame?'
But she bore them away herself, and this gave me the opportunity.