Disguise and Deception
Caderousse realizes he cannot safely pass through the barrier without exciting suspicion, given his appearance of poverty. He proposes to disguise himself using the groom’s greatcoat with the large collar and Andrea’s hat, adopting the casual posture of a servant whose master drives himself. When Andrea protests that he will be bareheaded, Caderousse dismissively suggests the wind could have blown his hat away. The tension between the two men rises as Andrea’s hand moves toward his pistol pocket, while Caderousse opens a long Spanish knife he carries for emergencies. After a moment of mutual assessment, Andrea’s hand leaves his pocket to play with Caderousse’s red moustache instead.
Passing the Barrier
Despite the earlier tensions, Andrea agrees to drive Caderousse into Paris since separating would draw more attention than traveling together. He accepts Caderousse’s disguise scheme despite the indignity of losing his hat. They proceed toward the barrier, with Caderousse maintaining his servant disguise. The passage occurs without incident, and they successfully pass through the barrier without exciting suspicion.
The Parting at the Cross Street
At the first cross street within Paris, Andrea stops his horse. Caderousse prepares to leave, and Andrea asks for his servant’s coat and hat back. Caderousse refuses, joking that he cannot risk taking cold. When Andrea protests, Caderousse simply declares they are young while he is getting old, offers a final farewell to Benedetto, and runs into a court before disappearing entirely. Andrea sighs, reflecting that one cannot be completely happy in this world.
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