"I understand that Granet wants that portfolio! Well, be it so! I set little store by it, but he does not have it yet!"
"That is something like it! It is worthy of a brave man to show a resolute front to his enemies! It is in battle that talent is retempered, as formerly in the Styx were tempered—"
Warcolier's intelligent smile was not understood by the minister.
Sulpice, who was in despair over his shattered domestic joys, had no wish to enter on a struggle except to bring about a reaction on himself. To hold his own against Granet, was to divert his own present sadness.
"All right," he said to Warcolier. "Let Granet interpellate us when he pleases—In eight days, to-morrow, yes, to-day even, I am ready!"
"Interpellate us!" thought Warcolier. "You should say, interpellate you."
He had already got out of the scrape himself.
Vaudrey debated with himself as to whether he would try to see Adrienne. No? What should he say to her? It would be better to let a little time shed its balm upon the wound. Then, too, if he wished to bar the way to Granet, he had not too much time before him. The shrewd person should act promptly.
"I shall see him on the Budget Committee!" thought Vaudrey.