"ARTICLE II.—Benvenuto Cellini agrees to make no attack upon the Petit-Nesle, which is and is to remain the property of Robert d'Estourville; furthermore, he will not even attempt to gain a footing there as a neighbor, and under the guise of friendship."
"Very good," said Benvenuto, "although the clause is by no means conceived in kindness; but if the door is thrown open to me I shall not show myself so devoid of courtesy as to refuse to enter."
"I will give orders to avert that possibility," retorted the provost.
"Let us to the next."
"I continue:—
"ARTICLE III.—The first courtyard, between the Grand and Petit Nesles, shall be common to both estates."
"That is quite right," said Benvenuto, "and you will do me the justice to believe that if Mademoiselle Colombe desires to go out, I shall not keep her a prisoner."
"Oh! never fear: my daughter will go in and out by a door which I undertake to have cut in the wall. I simply wish to make sure of an entrance for carriages and wagons."
"Is that all?"
"Yes," replied Messire Robert. "Apropos," he added, "I trust that you will allow me to remove my furniture."