“ ‘We dined so very late,’ hastily interposed La Carconte.

“ ‘Then it seems I am to eat alone,’ remarked the jeweller.

“ ‘Oh, we shall have the pleasure of waiting upon you,’ answered La Carconte, with an eager attention she was not accustomed to manifest even to guests who paid for what they took.

“From time to time Caderousse darted on his wife keen, searching glances, but rapid as the lightning flash. The storm still continued.

“ ‘There, there,’ said La Carconte; ‘do you hear that? upon my word, you did well to come back.’

“ ‘Nevertheless,’ replied the jeweller, ‘if by the time I have finished my supper the tempest has at all abated, I shall make another start.’

“ ‘It’s the mistral,’ said Caderousse, ‘and it will be sure to last till tomorrow morning.’ He sighed heavily.