"What, villain?" I exclaimed, almost breathless with astonishment, "what do you in this galère?"
"I am with him," he answered, indicating his companion by a sullen gesture.
"On State business?"
"Yes, Monsieur."
"Why, mon Dieu," I cried, staring at them between amusement and incredulity, "if this is true, why did you not bring the watch-dog as well! And Farmer Jean's ram? And the good-wife's cat? And M. Doury's turnspit? And----"
M. le Curé touched my arm. "Perhaps you had better hear what they have to say," he observed softly. "Afterwards, M. le Vicomte----"
I nodded sulkily. "What is it, then?" I said. "Ask what you want to ask."
"The Intendant has fled," Doury answered, recovering something of his lost dignity, "and we are forming, in pursuance of advice received from Paris, and following the glorious example of that city, a Committee; a Committee to administer the affairs of the district. From that Committee, I, Monsieur, with my good friend here, have the honour to be a deputation."
"With him?" I said, unable to control myself longer. "But, in heaven's name, what has he to do with the Committee? Or the affairs of the district?"
And I pointed with relentless finger at Buton, who reddened under his tan, and moved his huge feet uneasily, but did not speak.