"Whatever you may have said or done, you understand, while you are in power—and power intoxicates men!—I will always offer you my hand. Yes, this hand shall always be extended to you. You will find plenty of people who will turn their backs on you at that moment. Not I! I am a friend in dark days—"
"That is understood."
"I will leave you to your glory, Vaudrey. I crave pardon for not styling you: Monsieur le Ministre; I could not. It is not familiar to me. I cannot help it. I am not the friend for the hour of success, but for that of misfortune."
"And you will return?"
"When you are overthrown!—"
"That is like me! I love my friends."
"When they are down!" said Sulpice.
"That is so!" exclaimed Jéliotte.
"And is that all you had to say to me?" the minister asked.