“My dear sir, you won’t do that, because from today I’ll pay the rent
for her room. And, more than that, if you wish to oblige me, you will
be very kind to the poor girl, you hear, and even respectful, if you
please.”
There was no misunderstanding the meaning of the word “oblige,” from the
manner in which he pronounced it; and yet he was about to enforce the
recommendation, when a fretting voice exclaimed on the stairs,--
“Chevassat! where are you, Chevassat?”
“It’s my wife,” said the concierge.