"And that did not lead you to any decided course?"
"To nothing but to come to Paris." Michel paused, but not without directing on his college friend a look more expressive than any words.
Fouché smiled. "Did you know that I was minister?" said he.
"Certainly."
"And you have counted on me," replied Fouché, with a kindness inspired by the thorough frankness of this man.
"Counted on you so much," replied the poor pastor, "that after God you are my only hope. Employ me where you wish, at whatever you choose, my destitution has absorbed all other difficulties. I shall not recoil from any description of employment. I am resolved to do anything by which I can earn my subsistence."
"To do anything!" repeated Fouché, with some surprise, "then you would not refuse to be employed in my department."
"Oh! that is all that I ask!" cried Michel Perrin, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"Undoubtedly you would acquire more money than your parish ever produced."
"Is it possible?"