The owner of the house returns this week, and needs
the room."
"Have you some other lodging for her?"
"Yes, _mon capitaine_, in the Rue de Cleves."
"Good. Then there is no difficulty?"
"None. Follow me, mademoiselle, the street is near. I will take you to
the _concierge_."
She followed him down the stairs, and caught him up upon the pavement.
"You may think, mademoiselle, that it is because I am young and
susceptible."
"Oh, no, no...."
"Indeed, I _am_ young; But I slept in that room myself the first night I
came to Charleville...."
"My room with the owl? Do you mean that?"
"Yes, I put him upon the landing. But even then I dared not break the
window. Here is the street."
"How you frightened me when your captain came in! How grateful I am, and
how delighted. Is the house here?"
"Mademoiselle, I do not truly know what to do. _It is an empty house._"
"So much the better."
"But you are not afraid?"
"Oh, no, no, not at all. Has it any furniture?"
"Very little. We will see."
He pulled the bell at an iron railing, and the gate opened. A beautiful
face looked out of the window, and a young woman called: "_Eh bien!
More_ officers? I told you, _mon lieutenant_, we have not room for
one more."
"Now, come, come, Elsie! Not so sharp. It is for the house opposite this
time. Have you the key?"
"But the house opposite is empty.
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