He stops, and so do I, near the Fontaine Moliere, to buy chestnuts.

We have this taste in common.
He buys two sous' worth, I buy one; thus the distinctions of rank are preserved.

If he arrives after me, I allow him the first turn to be served; if he is before me, I await my turn with a patience which betokens respect.

Yet he never seems to notice it.

Once or twice, certainly, I fancied I caught a smile at the corners of his mouth, and a sly twinkle in the corners of his eyes; but these old scholars smile so austerely.
He must have guessed that I wish to meet him.