"Burguet!" said I, "Aaron himself, the own brother of Moses, and the greatest orator of Israel, could not have spoken better than you did; it was admirable! I owe my peace of mind to you! Whatever you may ask for so great a service I am ready to give to the extent of my means."
We went down the stairs; the members of the council following us thoughtfully, one by one. Burguet smiled.
"Do you mean it, Moses?" said he, stopping under the arch.
"Yes, here is my hand."
"Very well!" said he, "I ask you to give me a good dinner at the Ville-de-Metz."
"With all my heart!"
Several citizens, Father Parmentier, Cochois the tax-gatherer, and Adjutant Muller, were waiting for Burguet at the foot of the mayoralty steps, to congratulate him. As they were surrounding and shaking hands with him, Sâfel came and rushed into my arms; Zeffen had sent him to learn the news. I embraced him, and said joyously: "Go, tell your mother that we have won! Take your dinner. I am going to dine at the Ville-de-Metz with Burguet. Make haste, my child!"
He started running.
"You dine with me, Burguet," said Father Parmentier.
"Thank you, Mr. Mayor, I am engaged to dine with Moses; I will go at another time."