"I will do so; but, first, I want to ask a promise from you, monsieur."
"Well, upon my word, if he isn't actually going to impose his own conditions on me!"
"You will accept this one, I am sure."
"Now, what do you wish, Monsieur le poëte?"
"I should like you yourself each day to overlook the work I have done and see how I have done it."
"Well, I promise you that.... And when is the first performance to take place?"
"I can hardly tell you; but I am very sure you will be present at it!"
"Yes, I will be there, in more senses than one; you may be quite easy on that score.... Now, go and behave yourself!"
And he made a threatening gesture, upon which I went out.
M. Deviolaine kept his word to me. He gave me plenty of work to do without overdoing me. But, as he had promised, M. Fossier always came and brought the work to me himself, and if, by ill luck, I was not at my desk, M. Deviolaine was instantly informed of my absence.