The Gascon chevalier was, in truth, in very comfortable case; six thousand livres at that period were equivalent to fifteen thousand in these times. Passedix, not being a gambler, did not find it easy to spend his income; for the women did not welcome his homage; moreover, his passion for Miretta still smoldered in the depths of his heart and prevented him from falling in love with other charmers. So that he could spend his money only at the table; and, despite his hearty appetite, he could not succeed in eating his whole income, especially as his stomach, as a result of overwork, began to show symptoms of sloth and to demand rest from time to time. Passedix therefore seemed but little surprised when he saw two persons halt in front of him, bow to the ground, and remain in that humble posture, which prevented him from going forward. "What is it? what is the matter? what do you want, little fellows?" queried the chevalier, caressing his chin with one hand and placing the other on his hip. "Monsieur le Chevalier de Passedix, permit us to offer you our respects; we are so happy to have this honor! Does not monsieur le chevalier recognize us?" "Sandis! how do you suppose that I can recognize you? you show me only your posteriors!--Rise, if you wish me to see your faces!" Bahuchet and Plumard stood erect, the latter having decided to uncover his head. "Ah! cadédis! now I recognize you, my knaves!--This is the little bald-head!--It was you who sold me the famous orange costume that you filched from the dealer in second-hand clothes!" "He was my uncle, monsieur le chevalier--an old skinflint, who gave it to me and then accused me----" "Oh! it matters little now; I have forgotten that trifle!--But you seem to me, both of you, to be in rather a sorry plight!" "Alas! monsieur le chevalier, we are without employment. Maître Bourdinard--er--discharged us, on the pretext that we ate too much!" "The idiot! I would like to be able to eat too much, myself; but for some time past my appetite has fallen off; it is becoming as whimsical as a woman." "We are looking for places, monsieur le chevalier, and, i' faith! Plumard and I were strolling along Pont-Neuf, when some ladies, as they passed us, cried: 'Oh! see that handsome man over there, dressed all in apple-green! Just see, my dear, what a fine figure! how well he carries that elegant costume!'--Then we looked in the direction in which the ladies were looking, and on recognizing you, monsieur le chevalier, we were not surprised at the outburst of admiration from those bourgeoises." Passedix's face fairly beamed with pleasure. He placed his hand on Bahuchet's shoulder, murmuring: "Really! some ladies said that?" "Yes, monsieur le chevalier;--isn't it so, Plumard?"