human
Monsieur, have the goodness to open that window. Ferrier mechanically obeyed.
gpt
Now, hireling, continued Lebeau, addressing the vanquished Pole,
human
Go, my friend, whispered the Italian. The Pole did not utter a word; but rising nimbly, and rubbing his arm, stalked to the door. There he paused a moment and said,
gpt
I retire overpowered by numbers,
human
Messieurs, resumed Lebeau, calmly,
gpt
I repeat that the Council is dissolved. In fact its object is fulfilled more abruptly than any of us foresaw, and by means which I at least had been too long out of Paris to divine as possible. I now see that every aberration of reason is possible to the Parisians. The object that united us was the fall of the Empire. As I have always frankly told you, with that object achieved, separation commences. Each of us has his own crotchet, which differs from the other man's. Pursue yours as you will--I pursue mine--you will find Jean Lebeau no more in Paris: _il s'eface. Au plaisir, mais pas au revoir_.
human
Pardon, citizen, stammered he,
gpt
I? Certainly not, my good Paul; I dismiss them to go where they like. If they prefer the direction you name, it is their own choice. I declined to accompany them, and I advise you not to do so.
human
But, citizen, have you considered what is to become of Madame? Is she to be turned out of the lodge? Are my wages to stop, and Madame to be left without a crust to put into her soup?
gpt
Not so bad as that; I have just paid the rent of the baraque for three months in advance, and there is your quarter's pay, in advance also. My kind regards to Madame, and tell her to keep your skin safe from the schemes of these lunatics.