administrative difficulties of his new position. At each separate
affair which Rabourdin carefully explained, Baudoyer's little eyes grew
big as saucers.

"Farewell, monsieur," said Rabourdin at last, with a manner that was
half-solemn, half-satirical.

Sebastien meanwhile had made up a package of papers and letters
belonging to his chief and had carried them away in a hackney coach.
Rabourdin passed through the grand courtyard, while all the clerks
were watching from the windows, and waited there a moment to see if the
minister would send him any message. His Excellency was dumb. Phellion
courageously escorted the fallen man to his home, expressing his
feelings of respectful admiration; then he returned to the office, and
took up his work, satisfied with his own conduct in rendering these
funeral honors to the neglected and misjudged administrative talent.

Bixiou [seeing Phellion re-enter]. "Victrix cause diis placuit, sed
victa Catoni."

Phellion. "Yes, monsieur."

Poiret. "What does that mean?"

Fleury. "That priests rejoice, and Monsieur Rabourdin has the respect of
men of honor."

Dutocq [annoyed]. "You didn't say that yesterday."

Fleury. "If you address me you'll have my hand in your face. It is known
for certain that you filched those papers from Monsieur Rabourdin."
[Dutocq leaves the office.] "Oh, yes, go and complain to your Monsieur
des Lupeaulx, spy!"

Bixiou [laughing and grimacing like a monkey]. "I am curious to know how
the division will get along. Monsieur Rabourdin is so remarkable a man
that he must have had some special views in that work of his. Well, the
minister loses a fine mind." [Rubs his hands.]

Laurent [entering]. "Monsieur Fleury is requested to go to the
secretary's office."

All the clerks. "Done for!"

Fleury [leaving the room]. "I don't care; I am offered a place as
responsible editor. I shall have all my time to myself to lounge the
streets or do amusing work in a newspaper office."

Bixiou. "Dutocq has already made them cut off the head of that poor
Desroys."

Colleville [entering joyously]. "Gentlemen, I am appointed head of this
bureau."

Thuillier. "Ah, my friend, if it were I myself, I couldn't be better
pleased."

Bixiou. "His wife has managed it." [Laughter.]

Poiret. "Will any one tell me the meaning of all that is happening here
to-day?"

Bixiou. "Do you really want to know? Then listen. The antechamber of the
administration is henceforth a chamber,