"
This conversation was now interrupted by the entrance of the principal
clerk, who came in as if pressed with business. His appearance was hailed
by a general acclamation, and all eyes were turned toward the turkey.
"Without being uncivil, my lord, I must say that you have detained us from
breakfast for a long time," said Chalamel. "You must look out, for the next
time our appetites won't be under such good control."
"It is not my fault, I assure you; I was more impatient than you are--the
governor must be mad!"
"That's what I have been saying."
"But the madness of the governor ought not to keep us from eating."
"It should have the opposite effect."
"We can talk just as well with our mouths full."
"A thousand times better," said the office-boy.
Chalamel was carving the turkey, and he said to the principal clerk: "What
reason have you for thinking that the governor is crazy?"
"We were inclined to think that he had become perfectly stupid, when he
agreed to give us forty sous per head for our daily breakfast."
"I confess that I was as much surprised as you are, gentlemen; but it is a
trifle, actually a trifle, compared with what has just occurred."
"You don't say so!" said another.
"Is the notary crazy enough to invite us to dine every day, at his expense,
at the Cadran-Bleu?"
"And give us tickets to the play, after dinner?"
"And after that, take us to the _cafe_, to round off with punch?"
"And after that a la--"
"Gentlemen, just as far as you please; but the scene which I have just
observed is more frightful than funny.
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