"A registry office!" muttered he scornfully.

"Is he going to propose a berth of a hundred francs a month to me ?" He was much agitated at the thoughts of the impending interview, and, before entering the house, gazed upon its exterior with great interest.

The house much resembled its neighbors.

The entrances to the Registry Office and the Servants' Home were in the courtyard, at the arched entrance to which stood a vendor of roast chestnuts.
"There is no use in remaining here," said Paul.

Summoning, therefore, all his resolution, he crossed the courtyard, and, ascending a flight of stairs, paused before a door upon which "OFFICE" was written.