And I thought I was speaking my own dismissal.
Monsieur de Clericy leant back in his chair with a shrug of the shoulders.
"Well," he muttered, half to himself, "perhaps it is of little consequence.

You understand, Monsieur," he continued in a louder tone, looking at me kindly, "I like you.

I may say it without impertinence, because I am an old man and you are young.

I liked you as soon as I saw you yesterday.

The duties for which I require a secretary are light.