“No, madame, don’t take any more trouble. I am touched by your interest in me, but I would rather be unemployed than pose as the humble servant of idiocy and self-conceit.”
Auguste went home, raging against the vanity, arrogance and pettiness of mankind. Bertrand, who was impatiently awaiting his return, called out as soon as he appeared:
“Well! what about that government office, monsieur?”
“My friend,” said Auguste, squeezing Bertrand’s hand, “we will eat black bread, we will drink water, but I will not be the lackey of men whom I despise; I will not burn incense to insolent pride and stupidity! I will not debase myself before my fellowmen!”
“No, ten thousand squadrons! You mustn’t do that, lieutenant. I see the place has gone to the devil, eh?”
“I must needs do homage to a fellow who assumed the most patronizing airs; agree with everything he said, even when it lacked common sense; and even say that he played well when, by his own stupid play, he caused me to lose thirty francs that I had bet!”
“Thirty francs at one crack! That was rather a big stake, lieutenant.”
“What would you have? I was determined to test my luck.”
“But black bread and water make a wretched meal.”
“I still have some hope. Eugène is going to speak to his uncle, and perhaps I shall have better luck in that direction.”