For this is what he read:
"Madame Paul. Dealer in Tobacco. Quai de la Seine." Great as
was his self-control, his emotion was too evident to escape
notice. "What's the matter with you?" asked the concierge and the
valet in the same breath. "What has happened to you?"
A powerful effort of will restored this young fellow's coolness,
and ready in an instant with an excuse for his blunder, he
replied, "I have changed my mind. What! you'd only give me
fifteen sous to measure such a distance as that! Why, it isn't a
walk--it's a journey!"
His explanation was accepted without demur. His listeners thought
he was only taking advantage of the need they had of his services--
as was perfectly natural under the circumstances. "What! So you
are dissatisfied!" cried the valet. "Very well! you shall have
thirty sous--but be off!"
"So I will, at once," replied Chupin. And, imitating the whistle
of a locomotive with wonderful perfection, he darted away at a
pace which augured a speedy return.
However, when he was some twenty yards from the house he stopped
short, glanced around him, and espying a dark corner slipped into
it. "That fool in the red waistcoat will be coming out to take
the letter to that famous baroness," he thought. "I'm here, and
I'll watch him and see where he goes. I should like to find out
the name of the kind and charitable lady who watches over his
brigand of a master with such tender care.
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