Page 109 - les-miserables

it without sealing, and then intrusted this scrap of paper
to a child who seemed to serve him in the capacity both of
scullion and lackey. The landlord whispered a word in the
scullion’s ear, and the child set off on a run in the direction
of the town-hall.
The traveller saw nothing of all this.
Once more he inquired, ‘Will dinner be ready soon?’
‘Immediately,’ responded the host.
The child returned. He brought back the paper. The host
unfolded it eagerly, like a person who is expecting a reply.
He seemed to read it attentively, then tossed his head, and
remained thoughtful for a moment. Then he took a step in
the direction of the traveller, who appeared to be immersed
in reflections which were not very serene.
‘I cannot receive you, sir,’ said he.
The man half rose.
‘What! Are you afraid that I will not pay you? Do you
want me to pay you in advance? I have money, I tell you.’
‘It is not that.’
‘What then?’
‘You have money—‘
‘Yes,’ said the man.
‘And I,’ said the host, ‘have no room.’
The man resumed tranquilly, ‘Put me in the stable.’
‘I cannot.’
‘Why?’
‘The horses take up all the space.’
‘Very well!’ retorted the man; ‘a corner of the loft then, a
truss of straw. We will see about that after dinner.’

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