Man is a gregarious animal, and woman also--which proves Zimmerman to have been neither, and accounts for the brotherhood of _Les Chicards_.

Would you like to see how that old gentleman looks when he is angry ?" "Which?
The one in the opposite corner ?" "The same." "Well, that depends on circumstances.

Why do you ask ?" "Because I'll engage to satisfy your curiosity in less than ten minutes." "Oh, no, don't affront him," said I."We shall only have a scene." "I won't affront him.

I promise not to utter a syllable, either offensive or defensive." "Leave him alone, then, poor devil!" "Nonsense! If he chooses to be annoyed, that's his business, and not mine.

Now, you'll see." And Mueller, alert for mischief, stared fixedly at the old gentleman in the opposite corner for some minutes--then sighed--roused himself as if from a profound reverie--seized his portfolio--took out a pencil and sketch-book--mended the pencil with an elaborate show of fastidiousness and deliberation--stared again--drew a deep breath--turned somewhat aside, as if anxious to conceal his object, and began sketching rapidly.
Now and then he paused; stole a furtive glance over his shoulder; bit his lip; rubbed out; corrected; glanced again; and then went on rapidly as before.
In the meanwhile the old gentleman, who was somewhat red and irascible, began to get seriously uncomfortable.