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.