Happy precocity! genuine frightful gamins!"
"Du Gavarni!"
"Apropos, on what majority do you count, Monsieur le Président?"
"One hundred and thirty-nine."
"That is a large one."
"I! my dear fellow,"—it was old Prangins speaking to Senator Crépeau,—"I do not count myself as likely to be included in the next ministry, no! I do not delude myself, but I shall be in the second—or rather in the third—no, in the fourth—yes, in the fourth ministry—Assuredly!"
An asthmatic cough, the cough of an old man, interrupted his remarks.
Guy heard Warcolier, as he held a small glass of kirsch in his hand, say with a laugh:
"I have a way of holding my electors in leash. Not only when I visit them do I address them as my friend, my brave, which flatters them, but from time to time, I write them autograph letters. They look upon that like ready money. Some of them, the good fellows, are flattered: 'He has written to me, he is not proud!' Others, the suspicious fellows, are reassured: 'Now—I have his signature, I have him!' And there you are!"
They laughed heartily.