the Gobelins were not sufficient for him. He had desired more modern
decorations. He gave the coachman the upholsterer's address, Boulevard
des Capucins. He hardly dared to enter and say: "I have come to pay the
account of the furnishing supplied at the ministry!" It still seemed
like a funeral bill he was paying. This upholsterer's account, paid for
forgotten display, seemed to him a sort of mortuary transaction.

When he paid the upholsterer, the latter seemed to wear a cunning smile.

On finding himself again outside, he felt a sensation of relief; being
cold, he was inclined to walk with a view to warming his chill blood.

On hearing his name spoken by some one, he turned round and perceived
before him his compatriot Jeliotte, the friend of his childhood, the
comrade, who, with a smile, cordially extended his hands toward him.

"I told you that you would always find me when I should not appear
before you as a courtier! Well, then, here I am," said Jeliotte. "Now
you may see me as much as you please!"

"Ah!" said Vaudrey.

Jeliotte took his arm.

"Probably you are going to the Chamber?"

"Yes, exactly."

"Well, I will accompany you!--Ah, since you are no longer minister, my
dear friend, and that one does not appear to be a flatterer or a seeker
of patronage, one can speak to you--You have faults enough!--You are too
confident, too moderate--It is necessary to have a firm hand--And then
that could not last. Those situations are all very fine but they are too
easily destroyed!--They are like glass, my old friend!--A place is
wanted for everybody, is it not?--Bah! must I tell you?--Why, you are
happier! I like you better as it is!"

Vaudrey felt strongly inclined to shake off this pretentious ninny who
was clinging to his arm.

"That is like me!" continued Jeliotte. "I like my friends better when
they are down! What would you have? It is my generous nature. By the
way, do you know that the reason I have not seen you before is because I
have not been in Paris! I have returned from Isere!"

"Ah!" said Vaudrey, thinking of Adrienne.

"Well, you know, I have still some good news for you. If you have had
enough of politics, you can retire at the approaching election!"

"How?" asked Sulpice.

"Why, Thibaudier is stirring up Grenoble. He has got the whole city with
him. He is very much liked and is a model mayor. He is a very
_mere_--mother--that mayor!--Jeliotte laughed heartily, believing that
he was funny.