“Here he is,” answered M. Bergeret. “In my chair.”
With her two hands clasped over her portly figure, old Angélique smiled, and, in a tone of gentle mockery, ventured:
“I wonder what pleasure the creature can find in sleeping there behind Monsieur!”
“That,” retorted M. Bergeret, “is his business.”
Then, as he was of an inquiring mind, he immediately sought of Riquet his reasons for the selection of his resting-place, and lighting on them, replied with his accustomed candour:
“I keep him warm, and my presence affords a sense of security; my comrade is a chilly and homely little animal.” Then he added: “Do you know, Angélique? I will go out presently and buy him a collar.”
CHAPTER VII
Monsieur Leterrier, the rector, who was of an arbitrary turn of mind, and whose philosophy leaned towards spiritualism, had never felt much sympathy for the critical intellect of M. Bergeret. A circumstance, memorable enough, had, however, brought them together. M. Leterrier had taken part in the Affair. He had signed a protest against the verdict, which he conscientiously considered illegal and mistaken. No sooner had he done so than he became the object of public anger and contempt.