"For whom?"
"For a person who is worthy of it, and of whom Suzanne, too, intends to speak to you. But you see how jealous I am, I wish to be the first to recommend my protégé."
"The protégé of both of you, then?"
"Yes, both of us."
"Then you are tolerably certain of having your request granted. But what does the person desire?"
"Oh, he doesn't dare to ask or even desire anything. He is so timid. That is the reason Suzanne and I both resolved to ask for him. His position is so interesting and so trying!"
"My poor, tender-hearted child, how deeply in earnest you are, and how you are blushing! I am sure the person you have in mind must be both very deserving and very unfortunate."
"Yes, father, and when one sees a person every day, and thus learns to know and appreciate him, one's interest naturally increases."
"But of whom are you speaking, my child?"
"Of M. Onésime."