I have been enjoying Madame de Cocheforet's hospitality for some time, but by an evil chance I was away when you arrived.' And with that I walked to the hearth, and, gently pushing aside his great boots which stood there drying, I kicked the logs into a blaze.
'MILLE DIABLES!' he whispered.

And never did I see a man more confounded.

But I affected to be taken up with his companion, a sturdy, white-moustachioed old veteran, who sat back in his chair, eyeing me with swollen cheeks and eyes surcharged with surprise.
'Good evening, M.le Lieutenant,' I said, bowing gravely.

'It is a fine night.' Then the storm burst.
'Fine night!' the Captain shrieked, finding his voice at last.

'MILLE DIABLES! Are you aware, sir, that I am in possession of this house, and that no one harbours here without my permission?
Guest?
Hospitality?
Bundle of fiddle-faddle! Lieutenant, call the guard! Call the guard!' he continued passionately.