"That is enough," said M. Vulfran, sternly. "I can tell by your breath and the way you walk that you are drunk."
"I was just going to say, sir," began William again, as he untied the horse, but at that moment he dropped the whip and stooping down, he tried three times to grasp it. The manager looked grave.
"I think it would be better if I drove you to Maraucourt," he said. "I am afraid you would not be safe with William."
"Why so?" demanded William insolently.
"Silence," commanded M. Vulfran, in a tone that admitted of no reply. "From this moment you can consider yourself dismissed from my service."
"But, sir, I was going to say...."
With an uplifted motion of his hand M. Vulfran stopped him and turned to his manager.
"Thank you, Benoist," he said, "but I think this little girl can drive me home. Coco is as quiet as a lamb, and she can well replace this drunken creature."
He was assisted into the carriage, and Perrine took her place beside him. She was very grave, for she felt the responsibility of her position.
"Not too quickly," said M. Vulfran, when she touched Coco with the end of her whip.