"Do you believe it?" said he.
"Yes, it is the permit," I said, holding it at arm's length.
"Ah! that rascal of a minister, he has sent no others," said Father Goulden.
"But," I said, "I know nothing of politics, since the permit has come, the rest does not concern me."
He laughed aloud, saying, "Good, Joseph, good!"
I saw that he was laughing at me, but I did not care.
"We must let Catherine and Aunt Grédel know immediately," I cried in the joy of my heart; "we must send Chaudron's boy right away."
"Ha! go yourself, that will be better," said the good man.
"But the work, Mr. Goulden?"
"Pshaw! pshaw! at a time like this one forgets work! Go! child, stir yourself, how could you work now? You cannot see clearly."