"Which?"
"It happens—that—" answered the General, hesitatingly.
"It happens that?"
"I applied—"
"You applied—for what, monsieur?"
"A pardon for me!" cried Lebrenn. "Why, that's charming!"
And the situation brought about by the whirligig of politics was so droll that the merchant could not refrain from laughing heartily.
"Yes, monsieur," the General proceeded, "I have asked and obtained your pardon—you are free. Mine has been the honor of carrying the news to you personally."
"One word of explanation, monsieur," said the merchant in a tone of lofty seriousness. "I do not accept pardon; but, however tardy, I do accept atoning justice."