Vimeux was originally appointed to Baudoyer's bureau, but he manoeuvred to get himself transferred to Rabourdin's, on account of Baudoyer's extreme severity in relation to what were called "the English,"-- a name given by the government clerks to their creditors.

"English day" means the day on which the government offices are thrown open to the public.

Certain then of finding their delinquent debtors, the creditors swarm in and torment them, asking when they intend to pay, and threatening to attach their salaries.

The implacable Baudoyer compelled the clerks to remain at their desks and endure this torture.

"It was their place not to make debts," he said; and he considered his severity as a duty which he owed to the public weal.