The Effect which Seven Oaths in the Open Air can Produce — The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Jehan takes a glass charm for Isabeau la Thierrye, leaves the cell door open out of spite, and skips downstairs. In the dark he elbows a growling shape, takes it for Quasimodo, and laughs to the square. Dom Claude is telling Charmolue that the carved Job is the philosopher's stone, which must be tried and martyred before it is perfect. Jehan cares only for the purse. Behind him, Captain Phœbus de Châteaupers swears against the Gondelaurier house, fresh from the prudes inside.

They empty twenty-three sous parisis onto a post and set off for the wine shop Eve's Apple. Claude follows, unrecognised. The name Phœbus has stayed with him since his talk with Gringoire. At a street corner a tambourine sounds. Phœbus hurries, afraid the Bohemian with the goat will speak to him. Jehan names her La Smeralda. Phœbus whispers, laughs, and says she will come this evening. Claude's teeth chatter. He leans on a post like a drunken man, then follows as the two begin to sing.