"A law that was proposed with reference to the National Guard."
"You go in for everything," said Denoisel.
"I am sure you do not belong to the National Guard, Denoisel?" observed M. Barousse.
"No, indeed!"
"And yet it is an institution."
"The drums affirm that it is that, M. Barousse."
"And you do not vote either, I would wager?"
"I would not vote under any pretext."
"Denoisel, I am sorry to say so, but you are a bad citizen. You were born as you are, I am not blaming you, but the fact remains——"
"A bad citizen—what do you mean?"