quelques sous. See note to p

14. coquin. The most probable dérivation of this word is from Low-Latin coquinus, ss coquus. Its original meaning is then 'base scullion.'

17. le nez gros. The adjective is predicate; lit. 'his nose being big.' Cf. the Freuch idiom in descriptions of the person, elle a les yeux bleus.

22. toucher ses intérêts. Toucher is * to put the hand on,* and so 'to receive money,' e.g. toucher se» appointements (salary). Followed by à, this verb means 'to interfère with;' thus, il ne touche pa» a ses intérêts would mean, ' he does not touch a penny of the interest ou his ioans,' i.e. he saves it alL

23. par trois livres. Render by 'three livres at a time.' Cf. note to p. 4, 1. 7.

25. en attendant. Lit. 'while waiting.' A common adverbial phrase for ' in the meau time.'

27. kirsch. This is short for the German kirschwasser ; in French eau de cerise, brandy made from cherries,