"Will the citizen be seated?"
He would not. He desired to see Citizen Gamel.
François regretted his absence on business. Amar, later known as le farouche, desired to see the list of pupils, in order to select an unoccupied morning hour. Unluckily, the master had the keys. The citizen wished to fence, and could come in the morning only; he was busy after that. François would mention his name; perhaps the hours of the morning were full, but Citizen Gamel would no doubt arrange.
The man with the wandering mouth stood in thought, said he would return, and then asked abruptly:
"Art thou his assistant?"
"Yes."
"And thy name?"
"François."
"Has Citizen François a carte-civique—a certificate of citizenship?"
François knew better than to refuse. "Fetch me the card, Toto. 'T is on the chair in my room. Va—go!"