human
Ah! I have caught you.
gpt
Pray forgive me, monsieur, he faltered,
human
There is no occasion to apologize, my friend; you have done no wrong. On the contrary, it is greatly to your credit that you are fond of reading. What book have you there?
gpt
La Rochefoucauld's _Maximes_.
human
That is rather a serious work; what do you think of it?
gpt
What he says is very sad, and does not give one a very high opinion of men. But I'm afraid it is true.
human
Really, my friend, he said,
gpt
Yes, monsieur; an excellent man, who had no children, became interested in me and took me into his family when I was hardly ten years old. He was kind enough to send me to school; and I was so happy not to remain ignorant, that I made the most of the instruction that was given me.
human
How does it happen that your patron, having given you an education, allowed you to become a messenger? He should have completed his work and found you a place.
gpt
Ah! monsieur, it was not that excellent man's fault. He took me into his own office as clerk; but at his death I lost everything, place and patron. It was then that I became a messenger; it was necessary for me to earn money.
human
To assist your parents, I suppose?
gpt
Yes, monsieur; it was for them.
human
I understand you now! cried Monsieur Vermoncey;
gpt
Oh! monsieur--such kindness!
human
Why, it is not more than justice. Anyone can see that you ought not to be a messenger. Do you know how to write?
gpt
Yes, monsieur; my handwriting is not very bad; I know how to figure also.
human
Very good. I will find a place for you, never fear. I can't promise that it will be very soon, for here in Paris there are so many applicants for even the smallest places, that there are very few vacancies; but I promise you that--yes, within three months you will have changed your position in life.
gpt
Mon Dieu! what have I done to deserve that you should take so much interest in me?
human
In the first place, all that you did the first time I ever saw you, to help me to find my son; and, secondly, you attracted me at once; I felt that you were a worthy young man. Rely on me hereafter; I propose to replace the protector you have lost.
gpt
Ah! monsieur.