For my part, I should confess nothing, and I should have a Commission appointed.

And then you would see the storm subside." Duvillard and Fonsegue began to laugh.

The latter, however, thanks to his intimate knowledge of Monferrand, almost guessed the truth.

"Just listen!" said he; "even if the ministry falls it doesn't necessarily follow that you must be on the ground with it.

Besides, a ministry can be mended when there are good pieces of it left." Somewhat anxious at finding his thoughts guessed, Monferrand protested: "No, no, my dear fellow, I don't play that game.