"If you apply it to me," he continued with a contemptuous face, "I----" "Oh, no, to your company," Claude answered.

Self-control comes hardly to the young, and he had already forgotten his _role_.

"Ask him what happened last night at the 'Bible and Hand,'" he continued, pointing to Grio, "and how he stands now with his friend the Syndic!" "The Syndic ?" "The Syndic Blondel!" The moment the words had passed his lips, Claude repented.

He saw that he had struck a note more serious than he intended.

The big man did not move, but over his fat face crept a watching expression; he was plainly startled.