César ran at once to the office of his young colleague, thanked him,
excused himself, offered his everlasting devotion, overwhelmed him with
his gratitude.
It was known on the morrow that MM. Lesable and Cachelin had each been
promoted. The other employees must wait another year, receiving by way of
compensation a gratuity which varied from one hundred and fifty to three
hundred francs.
M. Boissel declared that he would lie in wait for Lesable at the corner
of the street at midnight some night and give him a drubbing which would
leave its mark. The other clerks kept silent.
The following Monday, on his arrival, Cachelin went to the office of
his protector, entered with solemnity, and in a ceremonious tone said: "I
hope that you will do me the honour to dine with us during the New Year
holidays. You may choose the day yourself."
The young man, somewhat surprised, raised his head and looked his
colleague full in the face. Then he replied without removing his eyes,
that he might read the thoughts of the other: "But, my dear fellow you
see--all my evenings are promised here for some time to come."
Cachelin insisted in a good-humoured tone: "Oh, but, I say, you will
not disappoint us by refusing, after the service that you have rendered
me. I beg you in the name of my family and in mine."
Lesable hesitated, perplexed. He had understood well enough, but he did
not know what to reply, not having had time to reflect and to weigh the
pros and the cons. At last he thought: "I commit myself to nothing by
going to dinner," and he accepted with a satisfied air, choosing the
Saturday following. He added, smiling: "So that I shall not have
to get up too soon the next morning."