“Do you want money?”
“No.”
“Then what is the matter?”
Eusebe arose, revived by the sympathetic curiosity of the man, and replied,—
“I arrived in Paris, this morning, from my native province, and already a coachman has insulted me, a soldier has mocked me, an old man has deceived me, a commissary of police has desired to arrest me, as he thought me crazy, because I had saved a man’s life, a waiter in a restaurant has called me green, a great lady has refused to answer me, and a working-woman has heaped epithets upon me because I asked her to direct me to an auberge. Really, I might inquire whether I am crazy, or whether, instead of coming into a civilized region, I have not fallen among a horde of savages.”
The merchant—for such the man evidently was—rejoined,—
“There is, perhaps, some truth in the latter supposition. Come in and take a seat for a moment, and I will aid you.”
“Generous man! Blessings on you! God, I am sure, will take account of your good action; and if ever you or your son should visit distant shores, he will prepare for you shelter in a hospitable tent.”