"Keep him? What do you mean?"
"Yes; that you should undo what you have done."
"But that depends upon him. Have you had your summons, François?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, my friend, if you do not want to take the post, there is no lack of candidates to fill your place, as you know. I have now ten other applications which I have far more reason to support than I had yours. For after all, you Lumineaus, you do not vote with us in the elections. So do you wish to give up the place?"
"No, sir."
"It is I who will not have him go," broke in Toussaint Lumineau, "I want him at La Fromentière."
"But he is of age, farmer!"
"He is my son, M. Meffray. It is his part to work for me. Put yourself in my place, I who am an old man. I had counted on leaving my farm to him, as my father left it to me. He goes away, and takes my daughter with him. So I lose two children, and through your fault."
"Excuse me; I did not seek him; he came to me."