"Now, what can I do for you, for I hope you have come to ask me to do something ?" "The veriest trifle," returned Tantaine.
"I am sorry that it is not something of importance, for I have the greatest respect for M.Mascarin." This conversation had taken place in the window, and was interrupted every moment by the shouts and laughter of the children; but beneath these sounds of merriment came an occasional bitter wail of lamentation.
"What is that ?" inquired Perpignan, in a voice of thunder.

"Who presumes to be unhappy in this establishment ?" "It is two of the lads that I have put on half rations," returned Poluche.

"I'll make them learn somehow or----" A dark frown on the master's face arrested his further speech.

"What do I hear ?" roared Perpignan.

"Do you dare, under my roof, to deprive those poor children of an ounce of food?
It is scandalous, I may say, infamous on your part, M.Poluche." "But, sir," faltered the professor, "have you not told me hundreds of times--" "That you were an idiot, and would never be anything better.