And how should it be otherwise?
One must understand a thing to be able to enjoy it; and I'll be sworn Mam'selle Josephine was infinitely more bored last night than yourself." Our conversation, or rather his monologue, was here interrupted by the ringing of the outer bell.
The artist sat up, took his pipe from his lips, and looked considerably disturbed.
"_Mille tonnerres_!" said he in a low tone.

"Who can it be ?...

so early in the day ...

not yet ten o'clock ...

it is very mysterious." "It is only mysterious," said I, "as long as you don't open the door.
Shall I answer the bell ?" "No--yes--wait a moment ...