They were travelling merchants--not wagoners simply, as might have been supposed from their garments full of straw, and the huge whips which lay beside them on the floor.

When they chewed their food, these worthies resembled horses masticating ears of corn; when they laughed, they made the windows rattle.
The good-humored traveller shook his head; over the face of his companion passed a disdainful smile, which did not escape the landlord.
As the elder turned round, he observed his servant inscribing their names in the tavern-book.

He would have stopped him, but he had already written the names.
He thereupon turned to the landlord.
Could they not have a private room?
Hum!--it was contrary to rule.
They wanted to dine.
Could they not make up their minds to join the company?
The younger traveller could not, and would not--a room.
The landlord assumed a dogged expression, and replied that he made no distinction among his guests.

What was good enough for one was good enough for all.
Then, the young traveller said, he would not stay in such a place.
The host replied, that he might go and welcome--the sooner the better--he wanted no lofty foreign gentlemen with their airs, etc.
The two gentlemen bowed with grave politeness, and made a sign to their servants, who came forward, looking with terrible frowns at Boniface.
Prepare the carriage to set out again--they would not dine there.
How Monseigneur would go on in spite of-- Enough--Monseigneur would consult them when it was necessary.

Harness the horses again.
The result of which command was, that in ten minutes the two gentlemen were again upon the road.
The landlord watched them, with a frown, as they departed.