"But Jean Gault is below. He has brought word from my wife."
"I dare say it is all planned between you."
"Then you will not let me go?"
"No, I won't. If you go, you lose your place. I shall not take you back. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand," said Francois, slowly.
"Then you can go. We have had words enough about this."
If the doctor had not been irritated he would have been careful how he dealt with Francois, who was the most valuable man in his employ. But when we are irritated we lose sight of what is politic, and are apt to make grievous mistakes, as M. Bourdon certainly did on this occasion.
Francois sought out little Jean.
"Jean," he said, "go home and tell my wife that I will come some time to-night. The doctor has forbidden me to go, but I shall go, all the same. Be sure you tell no one else."
"Very well, Francois," answered the boy.