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understand one another, and they indulged in the same despairing gesturesand furious complaints, declaring that government, like business, wouldno longer be possible if men were required to show such virtue as theydid not possess. At all times, and under every _regime_, when a decisionof the Chambers had been required in connection with some greatenterprise, had not the natural and legitimate tactics been for one to dowhat might be needful to secure that decision? It was absolutelynecessary that one should obtain influential and sympathetic support, ina word, make sure of votes. Well, everything had to be paid for, men likeother things, some with fine words, others with favours or money,presents made in a more or less disguised manner. And even admittingthat, in the present cases, one had gone rather far in the purchasing,that some of the bartering had been conducted in an imprudent way, was itwise to make such an uproar over it? Would not a strong government havebegun by stifling the scandal, from motives of patriotism, a mere senseof cleanliness even?
"Why, of course! You are right, a thousand times right!" exclaimedMonferrand. "Ah! if I were the master you would see what a finefirst-class funeral I would give it all!" Then, as Duvillard looked athim fixedly, struck by these last words, he added with his expressivesmile: "Unfortunately I'm not the master, and it was to talk to you ofthe situation that I ventured to disturb you. Barroux, who was here justnow, seemed to me in a regrettable frame of mind.""Yes, I saw him, he has such singular ideas at times--" Then, breakingoff, the Baron added: "Do you know that Fonsegue is in the ante-room? Ashe wishes to make his peace with you, why not send for him? He won't bein the way, in fact, he's a man of good counsel, and the support of hisnewspaper often suffices to give one the victory.""What, is Fonsegue there!" cried Monferrand. "Why, I don't ask betterthan to shake hands with him. There were some old affairs between us thatdon't concern anybody! But, good heavens! if you only knew what littlespite I harbour!"
When the usher had admitted Fonsegue the reconciliation took place in thesimplest fashion. They had been great friends at college in their nativeCorreze, but had not spoken together for ten years past in consequence ofsome abominable affair the particulars of which were not exactly known.However, it becomes necessary to clear away all corpses when one wishesto have the arena free for a fresh battle."It's very good of you to come back the first," said Monferrand. "So it'sall over, you no longer bear me any grudge?""No, indeed!" replied Fonsegue. "Why should people devour one anotherwhen it would be to their interest to come to an understanding?"Then, without further explanations, they passed to the great affair, andthe conference began. And when Monferrand had announced Barroux'determination to confess and explain his conduct, the others loudlyprotested. That meant certain downfall, they would prevent him, he surelywould not be guilty of such folly. Forthwith they discussed everyimaginable plan by which the Ministry might be saved, for that mustcertainly be Monferrand's sole desire. He himself with all eagernesspretended to seek some means of extricating his colleagues and himself
