[CHAPTER XVIII.]
THE TWO CHAIRS FACE TO FACE.
At this moment the distant and melancholy vibration of a bell shook the windows; six o'clock was striking at St. Médard. Jondrette marked each stroke by a shake of the head, and when he had counted the last he snuffed the candle with his fingers. Then he began walking up and down the room, listened at the door, began walking again, and then listened once more. "If he comes!" he growled, and then returned to his chair. He was hardly seated ere the door opened. Mother Jondrette had opened it, and remained in the passage making a horrible grimace, which one of the holes in the dark lantern lit up from below.
"Step in, sir," she said.
"Enter, my benefactor!" Jondrette repeated as he hurriedly rose.
M. Leblanc appeared with that air of serenity which rendered him singularly venerable. He laid four louis on the table.
"Monsieur Fabantou, here is the money for your rent, and something more to put you a little straight. After that we will see."
"May Heaven repay you, my generous: benefactor!" said Jondrette, and then rapidly approached his wife.
"Dismiss the coach."