"What do you do?"
"Nothing; my father works on the quay, and I,—I live from day to day, gaining my bread as I can. I run errands, I sell May-bugs and black-birds and sparrows, I pick up nails in the gutters and sell them, I open the doors of carriages, I fish for logs in the Seine, I sing verses in the streets, I light lamps, and sometimes I play in the pantomimes at the theatre of Nicolet. These trades, sir, are not worth much; and I have all I can do to get something to eat every day."
"You interest me," replied Father Lustucru, "and I’ve a wish to help you on in the world. Tell me, Faribole, have you a taste for cooking?"
"Rather! I love the tid-bits, but my means do not allow me"—
"I did not ask you if you were fond of eating, stupid! I asked you if you had the taste, the inclination, to do cooking."
"I don’t know; I never tried."
The Steward engages Faribole.
"Well, then, Faribole, I will give you lessons. Come, follow me; I will clothe you and take care of you at my own expense, in awaiting the arrival of Madame de la Grenouillère. She is a good lady, and will doubtless retain you; but if she does not, your education will be commenced, and you’ll be able to place yourself elsewhere."
"You are, then, in the service of the Countess?"