"Go on, I am waiting."
"The Hôtel de Nesle."
"Aha! you were laying a trap for me."
"Not at all; and to show you that I am speaking seriously, here is the document, duly signed by his Majesty, with the necessary blanks for the name of the beneficiary, and of the place selected. I will write the Hôtel du Grand-Nesle, and leave you to insert such names as you choose."
"But this damned Benvenuto?"
"Is entirely off his guard, relying upon a treaty we entered into and signed. Whoever cares to enter will find the doors open, and if on a Sunday he will find the rooms empty. In any event, it's not a matter of turning Benvenuto out, but simply of sharing the Grand-Nesle with him; for it is quite large enough for three or four families. Benvenuto will hear reason.—Well! what are you doing now?"
"I am writing my names and titles in the grant. Do you see?"
"Beware! Benvenuto is more to be feared than you think."
"Bah! I will take my two fire-eaters and surprise him some Sunday."
"What! compromise yourself with a clown for such a trifling matter?"