“Why so?”
“I do as citizen Barras has done; I abdicate?”
“So citizen Barras has abdicated?”
“So rumor says.”
“Is it known who will take his place?”
“It is surmised.”
“Is it one of your friends, Talma?”
“Time was,” said Talma, bowing, “when he did me the honor to say I was his.”
“Well, in that case, Talma, I shall ask for your influence.”
“Granted,” said Talma, laughing; “it only remains to ask how it can serve you.”