Part 29 (2/2)
Monsieur Bobinet, who was very bald, very cross, and very stout, cast an irritable glance into the room, but, seeing so many people, drew back and said:--
”Yes, that is my name, Monsieur. I lodge on the fourth floor....”
”But pray walk in, Monsieur Bobinet,” said Muller, opening the door still wider and bowing still more profoundly.
”Monsieur,” returned the fourth-floor lodger, ”I--I only come to complain....”
”Whatever the occasion of this honor, Monsieur,” pursued the student, with increasing politeness, ”we cannot suffer you to remain on the landing. Pray do us the favor to walk in.”
”Oh, walk in--pray walk in, Monsieur Bobinet,” echoed Jules, Gustave, and Adrien, all together.
The fourth-floor lodger hesitated; took a step forward; thought, perhaps, that, since we were all so polite, he would do his best to conciliate us; and, glancing down nervously at his dressing-gown and slippers, said:--
”Really, gentlemen, I should have much pleasure, but I am not prepared....”
”Don't mention it, Monsieur Bobinet,” said Muller. ”We are delighted to receive you. Allow me to disembarra.s.s you of your candle.”
”And permit me,” said Jules, ”to relieve you of your stick.”
”Pray, Monsieur Bobinet, do you never dance the polka?” asked Gustave.
”Bring Monsieur Bobinet a gla.s.s of cold punch,” said Adrien.
”And a plate of lobster salad,” added the bearded student.
Monsieur Bobinet, finding the door already closed behind him, looked round nervously; but encountering only polite and smiling faces, endeavored to seem at his ease, and to put a good face upon the matter.
”Indeed, gentlemen, I must beg you to excuse me,” said he. ”I never drink at night, and I never eat suppers. I only came to request....”
”Nay, Monsieur Bobinet, we cannot suffer you to leave us without taking a gla.s.s of cold punch,” pursued Muller.
”Upon my word,” began the lodger, ”I dare not....”
”A gla.s.s of white wine, then?”
”Or a cup of coffee?”
”Or some home-made lemonade?”
Monsieur Bobinet cast a look of helpless longing towards the door.
”If you really insist, gentlemen,” said he, ”I will take a cup of coffee; but indeed....”
”A cup of coffee for Monsieur Bobinet!” shouted Muller.
”A large cup of coffee for Monsieur Bobinet!” repeated Jules.
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