"But it seems to me that if your Excellency was right just now, and if our clever friend here" [takes Lupeaulx by the arm] "was not wrong, it will be difficult to come to any conclusion on the subject." Des Lupeaulx [after looking at the minister].

"No doubt something ought to be done." De la Briere [timidly].

"Monsieur Rabourdin seems to have judged rightly." The Minister.

"I will see Rabourdin." Des Lupeaulx.

"The poor man made the blunder of constituting himself supreme judge of the administration and of all the officials who compose it; he wants to do away with the present state of things, and he demands that there be only three ministries." The Minister.