Then he ransacked the morning mail with ill-concealed curiosity.

He examined the letters, and seemed to be seeking a particular one.

His new berth doubtless suited his secret plans, for his satisfaction became so great that he actually gave one of the clerks a copy of the "Oeuvres Badines de Piron." Vuillet, it should be mentioned, did business in objectionable literature, which he kept concealed in a large drawer, under the stock of heads and religious images.

It is probable that he felt some slight qualms at the free-and-easy manner in which he had taken possession of the post office, and recognised the desirability of getting his usurpation confirmed as far as possible.

At all events, he had thought it well to call upon Rougon, who was fast becoming an important personage.
"Why! where have you been ?" Felicite asked him in a distrustful manner.
Thereupon he related his story with sundry embellishments.