, and I don't even know what is in this morning's
paper; and the office-boy is not here to give me a copy."

"I have one," said Minard, pulling the much desired paper from his
pocket. "If the article is not years you have certainly inspired it; in
any case, the deed is done."

Thuillier hurriedly unfolded the sheet Minard had given him, and
devoured rather than read the following article:--

Long enough has the proprietor of this regenerated journal
submitted without complaint and without reply to the cowardly
insinuations with which a venal press insults all citizens who,
strong in their convictions, refuse to pass beneath the Caudine
Forks of power. Long enough has a man, who has already given
proofs of devotion and abnegation in the important functions of
the aedility of Paris, allowed these sheets to call him ambitious
and self-seeking. Monsieur Jerome Thuillier, strong in his
dignity, has suffered such coarse attacks to pass him with
contempt. Encouraged by this disdainful silence, the stipendiaries
of the press have dared to write that this journal, a work of
conviction and of the most disinterested patriotism, was but the
stepping-stone of a man, the speculation of a seeker for election.
Monsieur Jerome Thuillier has held himself impassible before these
shameful imputations because justice and truth are patient, and he
bided his time to scotch the reptile. That time has come.

"That deuce of a Peyrade!" said Thuillier, stopping short; "how he does
touch it off!"

"It is magnificent!" cried Minard.

Reading aloud, Thuillier continued:--

Every one, friends and enemies alike, can bear witness that
Monsieur Jerome Thuillier has done nothing to seek a candidacy
which was offered to him spontaneously.

"That's evident," said Thuillier, interrupting himself. Then he
resumed:--

But, since his sentiments are so odiously misrepresented, and his
intentions so falsely travestied, Monsieur Jerome Thuillier owes
it to himself, and above all to the great national party of which
he is the humblest soldier, to give an example which shall
confound the vile sycophants of power.

"It is fine, the way la Peyrade poses me!" said Thuillier, pausing once
more in his reading. "I see now why he didn't send me the paper; he
wanted to enjoy my surprise--'confound the vile sycophants of power!'
how fine that is!"

After which reflection, he continued:--

Monsieur Thuillier