Trotter. [Gloomily.] I suppose it is my fate.
Gnawer. Again prating about fate. Can’t you leave fate alone?
Trotter. Master, fate is never tired of persecuting us. Is it not fate that has filled the hole you cut with such labour at the bottom of the door? so that your friends and neighbours might find no difficulty in visiting you.
Gnawer. And you really think that fate filled up the hole?
Trotter. What else could it be, tutor?
Gnawer. It was Toinon. [He helps him.] This lard is delicious. There is no one save Toinon has such good lard.
Trotter. But who is Toinon, tutor?
Gnawer. The mistress of the house, daughter of Babolin. The most charming woman, oh! and such a worker. She toils at sewing from morning till night.
Trotter. And pray what interest can she have in stopping up holes?
Gnawer. What interest? [Laughing.] Taste this cheddar. Why, her legs to be sure; Toinon hates draughts. Besides, she is a charming girl, who makes crumbs when eating, and always leaves the cupboard door open. She will make an excellent wife. I wish I could marry her.