13/55 I subscribed to the Baudouin series, but I've never had time to open a volume; one can't find matter for vaudevilles there." Phellion [at the door]. "We all want to know, Monsieur Bixiou, what made you think that the worthy and honorable Monsieur Rabourdin, who has so long done the work of this division for Monsieur de la Billardiere,--he, who is the senior head of all the bureaus, and whom, moreover, the minister summoned as soon as he heard of the departure of the late Monsieur de la Billardiere,--will not be appointed head of the division." Bixiou. "Papa Phellion, you know geography ?" Phellion [bridling up]. "And history ?" Phellion [affecting modesty]. |