Saniel returned to his work.
His pen flew over the paper, when a noise made him raise his head. Either he had not closed the door tightly, or his servant was entering with his key. What did he want? He did not employ him all day, but only during his office hours, to put his rooms in order and to open the door for his clients.
As Saniel rose to go and see who it was, there was a knock at the door. It was his servant, with a blank and embarrassed air.
“What is the matter, Joseph?”
“I thought I should find you, sir, so I came.”
“Why?”
Joseph hesitated; then, taking courage, he said volubly, while lowering his eyes:
“I came to ask, sir, if you will pay me my month, which expired on the fifteenth, because there is need of money at my house; if there was not need of money I would not have come. If you wish, sir, I will release you—”
“How?”
“I will take the coat that you made me order a month ago; I am quite sure it is not worth what is due me, but it is always so.”