Part 79 (1/2)
The last words were accompanied by a sidelong glance ending in a sigh.
Cherami began to cough in a significant fas.h.i.+on, and whispered:
”On the same floor?”
”Yes; you can understand what a relief it will be to me.”
”I understand perfectly.”
”Then you'll stay with us, won't you? When the children have gone to bed, we'll play a game of loto.”
”That is a very seductive prospect.”
”You shall draw the numbers.”
”You will see how well I do it!”
At that moment, Madame Duponceau's servant rushed into the dining-room and exclaimed in dismay:
”O madame! madame! if you knew!”
”What is it, then, Francoise, for heaven's sake? You frighten me!”
”There's reason enough!”
”Is the house on fire?”
”Is it robbers?”
”No; but your rabbits. That little scamp of a Narcisse has opened all the hutches, and the rabbits are all loose; they're running everywhere--into the yard, and the cellar, and upstairs.”
”Oh! mon Dieu! what do you mean? We must catch them! Niece, Monsieur Cherami, come quick, I beg you! Bring candles! Oh! my poor rabbits!”
Everybody hurried into the yard. In the confusion, Cherami did not fail to take his hat and cane; but, instead of going to the yard, he headed for the front door, crying:
”There go two of them into the road! I'll run after them.”
”Do you think so?”
”I saw them.”
”How could they have got out?”
”Under the gate. They scratched till they made a hole. But don't be disturbed; I'll catch them, if I have to chase them to Vincennes!”
And Cherami ran out into the road, leaving the ladies and the servant to hunt the rabbits.
LIII