The prefect of Gers was also waiting.

Fearing the impatience of his guests, the mayor opened the door of his chamber to apologise, showing his face covered with lather.
"Just a moment," he said; "I am just finishing my shaving." "Oh," said Jasmin, "why did you not perform your toilet sooner?
But now let me help you." Jasmin at once doffed his coat, gave the finishing touch to his razor, and shaved the mayor in a twinkling, with what he called his "hand of velvet." In a few minutes after, Jasmin was receiving tumultuous applause for his splendid recitations.
Thus, as time was pressing, it was a pleasure to Jasmin to make himself useful to his friend the mayor.

But on another occasion he treated a rich snob in the way he deserved.

Jasmin had been reciting for the benefit of the poor.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the young people of the town improvised a procession of flambeaux and triumphantly escorted him to his hotel.
Early next morning, while Jasmin was still asleep, he was awakened by some one knocking at his chamber door.