"Then let me go," etc.
"Pardon," said the supernumerary, who after waiting for seven years had at last been named employé the first of the preceding month, "you must be very light-hearted to sing when we are no longer paid."
"What!" cried Buvat; "what do you mean?"
"I mean that I suppose you have not gone to be paid."
"Yes, I have just come from there."
"Did they pay you?"
"No; they said there was no money."
"And what do you think of that?"
"Oh! I think," said Buvat, "that they will pay the two months together."
"Oh, yes! two months together! Do you hear, Ducoudray? He thinks they will pay the two months together. He is a simple fellow, this Buvat."