consommation : A ' drink ' consumed on the promises

31.10. l'ordinaire : ' Le repas,' especially ' dinner.' That is, the captain is thinking that it might be more sensible to get the little girl to look after his meals for him.

32.1. la soupe au café: The French often brcakfast ofî a roll which they break up into a bowl of cofîee.

32.2. un rata : An abbreviation of ' ratatouille.' It is a familiar term, i" for a stew with beans and potatoes, 2" for any stew, 30 for the army ration.

32.3. ça me connaît : ' I know ail about that sort of thing,' ' Nothing new for me, that.'