human
I wonder if you could tell me, monsieur? You see, I am not quite sure--I don't quite know how to explain it to you.
gpt
Are you looking for somebody, or for some address in this quarter, madame? I have had my stand here for a long time, and I can probably tell you what you want to know.
human
It isn't an address, but a certain person whom I would like to obtain some information about; in fact, to find out something that interests me very deeply. First of all, monsieur, tell me this: are you the only messenger on this street?
gpt
No, madame; there's Jean Ficelle--but he don't happen to be here now; in fact, he hasn't been to work for several days; I suppose he's tippling somewhere.
human
What sort of looking man is this Jean Ficelle?
gpt
Oh! he ain't handsome--a little, short, thin man, near thirty years old.
human
He's not the man I want. The one I am looking for is only twenty-three, and looks less than that; you would hardly think he was twenty; he has a graceful figure and a fine face, and his voice is as sweet as his eyes.
gpt
Ah! you are talking about a man named Paul.
human
Paul! cried the old woman;
gpt
I should say so! as he used to stand here alongside of me. It ain't so very long since he went somewhere else to stand.
human
He is a messenger! it is all true, then! poor boy! he did it for me, I am sure of it!