Franco-Américains, where they gather. The government wishes to know them better. And (this in a confidential whisper) there may be other places to be filled. What! Suppose, now, that the government should some day demand the services of M. Sorel himself in the custom-house; and, since he is a business man, at a still larger salary than a thousand dollars a year!
"Ah, monsieur" (in a tone of playful reproach), "vous êtes un flatteur, n'est ce pas? You know,--I guess you giv'n' me taffy."
Such a hero as Fidèle is! No more balloons, no more carting about of "ma musique;" a square room upstairs, a bottle of wine at dinner, short hours, distinction,--in fine, all that the heart can wish.
I have been speaking in the present: I should have spoken in the past.
It was shortly after Fidèle's appointment--in the early autumn--that I first made his and Sorel's acquaintance.
I was teaching in an evening school, not far from Madei
