Marianne Godet

Those up all night and those opening the day cross paths in the same alley. Last night's bread is half price by morning, so I'm always out at this hour.

• Madame PonceWhy doesn't anyone count the cost of carrying half-price bread up six flights?
  Marianne GodetThat's the cost of my own legs, so I never counted it.
• VoisinI pass through that alley at dawn too.

There was a piece of paper on the fourth step. It had been folded and refolded so many times, I didn't read it, just slid it back under the door.

• Madame PonceYou should have read it. Paper like that always arrives before the rent does.
  Marianne GodetIf I read it, there's nowhere left to hide it.
• Lucien MarquetFor a pawn ticket, the date is everything. One day late and the item belongs to someone else.