Mademoiselle Giraud, My Wife (Texts and Translations. Translations, 13)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892 Excerpt: ...I said giving him the louis; then to insure his discretion I added, "I will perhaps require your services again at the same price." That day my wife shortened her visit, and consequently my watch. Really she was becoming delicate. As soon as she had disappeared I left the carriage and walked toward the house she had just left. To enter into conversation with the concierge I had determined on a most vulgar ruse, but one that usually succeeds. "You have apartments to let?" I asked of the woman who was seated in the lodge. "Yes, monsieur, on the fourth floor. We. have one on the second also." "Ah! on the second, that would suit me better. In. front or overlooking the yard?" "On the front; the rent is five thousand francs." "It is a small apartment then," I said carelessly. The woman who had remained seated while answering my questions, now arose. A person who was not satisfied with apartments of five thousand francs merited a certain amount of consideration. "No doubt, monsieur, you would find larger and more beautiful apartments in the new quarters, but this one has four bed-chambers." "Ah!" I replied, having matured my scheme, "I must have five." "There is a small parlor that might be changed into a bed-room. Would monsieur like to see it?" "Very well, I shall look at it." As I had supposed from the report of the man, two doors opened on the second landing. A large folding-door opened into the apartments I was to visit and at the right was a smaller one with a brass lock. I followed the concierge and conscientiously examined every room. "It is to be regretted," I said when I had finished my inspection, "the apartments suit me in many r...