I'm well aware that I
can't go to M. de Fondege's door and ask to speak to you; but
there are other ways of seeing each other. For instance, every
evening at five o-clock precisely, I might pass along the Rue
Pigalle, and warn you of my presence by such a signal as this:
'Pi-ouit!'" So saying he gave vent to the peculiar call, half
whistle, half ejaculation, which is familiar to the Parisian
working-classes. "Then," he resumed, "you might come down and I
would tell you the news; besides, I might often help you by doing
errands."
Mademoiselle Marguerite reflected for a moment, and then bowing
her head, she replied:
"What you suggest is quite practicable. On and after to-morrow
evening I will watch for you; and if I don't come down at the end
of half an hour, you will know that I am unavoidably detained."
Chupin ought to have been satisfied. But no, he had still another
request to make; and instinct, supplying the lack of education,
told him that it was a delicate one. Indeed, he dared not present
his petition; but his embarrassment was so evident, and he twisted
his poor cap so despairingly, that at last the young girl gently
asked him: "Is there anything more?"
He still hesitated, but eventually, mustering all his courage, he
replied: "Well, yes, mademoiselle. I've never seen Monsieur
Ferailleur. Is he tall or short, light or dark, stout or thin? I
do not know.
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