“I wish you to tell me what duty is.”
“Duty is the only thing that Gredinette ignores.”
“Your definition is very vague.”
“Duty! Oh, there are many interpretations of the word.”
“Give me the best.”
“In my opinion, the duty of a man is to smoke his pipe in peace under the eye of Heaven, and to do no wrong to his neighbor.”
“Thank you,” was the sole response of Eusebe, as he abruptly quitted his artist friend.
Once more in the street, the poor provincial strolled about, at the mercy of chance, more embarrassed and perplexed than ever. The sight of the old store of Lansade, before which he passed, reminded him of the honest merchant who had assisted him in an emergency of a more serious character. He decided to go at once to Lansade and ask his advice. On the way he met the stage-manager of the theatre, who saluted him politely.
“M. Sainval,” said Eusebe, hurrying towards him, “you can perhaps save me a long walk.”