The news of the union of the two divisions, that of La Billardiere and that of Clergeot, under one director, had spread through the various offices.

The number of the clerks to be retired was known, but all were in ignorance of the names.
It was taken for granted that Poiret would not be replaced, and that would be a retrenchment.

Little La Billardiere had already departed.
Two new supernumeraries had made their appearance, and, alarming circumstance! they were both sons of deputies.

The news told about in the offices the night before, just as the clerks were dispersing, agitated all minds, and for the first half-hour after arrival in the morning they stood around the stoves and talked it over.

But earlier than that, Dutocq, as we have seen, had rushed to des Lupeaulx on receiving his note, and found him dressing.