"Come, Fleury, you're a good fellow, but don't talk politics here; you don't know what harm you may do us." Fleury [dryly].

"Well, adieu, gentlemen; I have my work to do by four o'clock." While this idle talk had been going on, des Lupeaulx was closeted in his office with du Bruel, where, a little later, Dutocq joined them.

Des Lupeaulx had heard from his valet of La Billardiere's death, and wishing to please the two ministers, he wanted an obituary article to appear in the evening papers.
"Good morning, my dear du Bruel," said the semi-minister to the head-clerk as he entered, and not inviting him to sit down.

"You have heard the news?
La Billardiere is dead.

The ministers were both present when he received the last sacraments.