"How! not worth the trouble? Indeed, Monsieur Buvat, it was, on the contrary, well worth the trouble, and the proof is, that if you have any favor to ask from the regent, I will charge myself with the message."
"Monsieur," said Buvat, "since you are so good as to offer to interpret my sentiments to his royal highness, have the kindness to request him, when he is less pressed, if it is not too inconvenient, to pay me my arrears."
"How! your arrears, Monsieur Buvat? What do you mean?"
"I mean, monsieur, that I have the honor to be employed at the royal library, but that for six years I have received no salary."
"And how much do your arrears amount to?"
"Monsieur, I must have a pen and ink to calculate exactly."
"Oh, but something near the mark—calculate from memory."
"To five thousand three hundred and odd francs, besides the fractions of sous and deniers."
"And you wish for payment, Monsieur Buvat?"
"I do not deny it, monsieur; it would give me great pleasure."