As we said, Chéri didn’t speak much English and was acutely aware of how odd he looked as an applicant, but his stomach and purse didn’t care and he never had had the privilege of developing that sort of pride. And while the rest of the conversation was not clear to him, the word “no” sounded the same in French.

He heard it more than once.
Seeing very little hope in this course of action, Chéri decided instead of concentrating on Tristan. At least he had a better shot at pleading his case with him “What about you, sir? May I be of assistance? I do not expect a permanent situation, I am just trying to find a meal and a bed for tonight. I can clean, I can cook, lift heavy things. I can sing, dance and perform some acrobatics, if that could be of any interest to you” not knowing Tristan or the surroundings, Chéri didn’t dare sharing his other talents and what more he could offered: he wasn’t in his best shape and could probably not easily respond to potential violence.