Your coffee will be here immediately, and these ladies on the sofa will be delighted to make room for you." "Oh yes, pray be seated, Monsieur Bobinet," cried the two girls.

"We shall be charmed to make room for Monsieur Bobinet!" More than ever confused and uncomfortable, poor Monsieur Bobinet bowed; sat down upon the treacherous space between the two chairs; went through immediately; and presented the soles of his slippers to the company in the least picturesque manner imaginable.

This involuntary performance was greeted with a shout of wild delight.
"Bravo, Monsieur Bobinet!" "_Vive_ Monsieur Bobinet!" "Three cheers for Monsieur Bobinet!" Scarlet with rage, the fourth-floor lodger sprang to his feet and made a rush to the door; but he was hemmed in immediately.

In vain he stormed; in vain he swore.

We joined hands; we called for music; we danced round him; we sang; and at last, having fairly bumped and thumped and hustled him till we were tired, pushed him out on the landing, and left him to his fate.
After this interlude, the mirth grew fast and furious.