"Oh! my dear Sulpice, believe one thing,—that I ask you nothing."
"Why?"
"Because—no, nothing. And I repeat, nothing."
"And you would be wrong if I could be friendly to you or useful."
"I have said nothing, and I stick to nothing. You will meet quite enough office-seekers in your career—"
"Evidently!"
"Petitioners also!"
"Most assuredly!"
"Well! I am neither a petitioner nor an office-seeker nor a sycophant. I am your friend."
"And you are right, for I have great affection for you."