The Fine Arts are his department, and the question was entirely one for him.

And I could do nothing; for that very worthy and honest gentleman, who came to us from a provincial faculty, was full of scruples.

For my own part I'm an old Parisian, I can understand anything, and I should have been delighted to please you." At this fresh resistance offered to his passion Duvillard once more became excited, eager to obtain that which was denied him.

"Taboureau, Taboureau!" said he, "he's a nice deadweight for you to load yourself with! Honest! isn't everybody honest?
Come, my dear Minister, there's still time, get Silviane admitted, it will bring you good luck for to-morrow." This time Barroux burst into a frank laugh: "No, no, I can't cast Taboureau adrift at this moment--people would make too much sport of it--a ministry wrecked or saved by a Silviane question!" Then he offered his hand before going off.

The Baron pressed it, and for a moment retained it in his own, whilst saying very gravely and with a somewhat pale face: "You do wrong to laugh, my dear Minister.