"The same, citizen."
"You have just left the minister?"
"Only this moment; for we had chatted together a full half-hour, as two good friends would do who had not met for a considerable time."
"Be seated, Citizen Perrin. Is it the minister's intention that you are to correspond directly with him or with me?"
"It would seem that in referring me to you, citizen."
"As he has said nothing positive in this respect, it is with me you will have to do."
"And when shall I commence?"
"Without delay; for the minister, in directing me to pay you liberally, undoubtedly believed that there was need of your ability and zeal."
"For my zeal I can fully answer," replied Michel. "I hope that, with some little experience in the discharge of actual duty, my ability shall equal it."
"I have no doubt of it, no doubt whatever. You have been sent to me by a man who is never mistaken in his estimate of individual capability. I shall enter your name on the list of those employed here. You shall have twenty francs per day, and your payment shall commence from this morning."