And the thin one yonder, whose eyes glitter like those of a she-wolf, is the particular friend of a high official, who is well known for his reputation of austerity." But she stopped him, in vexation: "I know, I know.

But the others, those of the lower classes, those whom one comes to see." Then she went on asking questions, and seeking for terrifying and mysterious countenances.

At last, two men seated in a corner ended by attracting her attention; one of them a very young fellow with a pale, pinched face, and the other an ageless individual who, besides being buttoned up to his neck in an old coat, had pulled his cap so low over his eyes, that one saw little of his face beyond the beard which fringed it.

Before these two stood a couple of mugs of beer, which they drank slowly and in silence.
"You are making a great mistake, my dear," said Hyacinthe with a frank laugh, "if you are looking for brigands in disguise.

That poor fellow with the pale face, who surely doesn't have food to eat every day, was my schoolfellow at Condorcet!" Bergaz expressed his amazement.