"At the Barrière du Maine are stone-cutters and painters, an enthusiastic body, but subject to chills. I do not know what has been the matter with them for some time past, but they are thinking of other things. They are dying out, and they spend their time in playing at dominoes. It is urgent to go and talk to them rather seriously, and they meet at Richefeu's, where they may be found between twelve and one o'clock. Those ashes must be blown up, and I had intended to intrust the task to that absent fellow Marius, who is all right, but no longer comes here. I need some one for the Barrière du Maine, and have no one left."
"Why, I am here," said Grantaire.
"You?"
"I."
"You indoctrinate republicans? you warm up chilled hearts in the name of principles?"
"Why not?"
"Can you possibly be fit for anything?"
"Well, I have a vague ambition to be so."
"You believe in nothing."
"I believe in you."