"It is possible, but let us return to business."
"What, it is a question of business, then?"
"Pardieu! Is not everything business in this world?"
"Hum!" said the artist, not at all convinced.
M. Dubois assumed a paternal air, and, seizing a button of his companion's coat, without doubt, to prevent him from escaping--
"Listen to me with attention," said he; "the few days that I have had the advantage of passing in your company enabled me to study your character, and to appreciate it at its just value; you are an intelligent, wise, and modest young man; you please me."
"You are very good," mechanically murmured Émile by way of answer.
"That is a good idea; have you any influence?"
"Yes, much more than you doubtless think."
"What? Speak. I shall be glad to acquit myself of what I owe you."
"Bah! That is nothing; do not let us speak of it."
"No, no, I beg you; rather render me the service which I ask of you."
"Then procure me, this very evening, a respectable escort, so that I may without danger reach Buenos Aires."
"What do you wish to do at Buenos Aires?"
"To embark by the first ship which sets sail, in order to fly as soon as possible from this frightful country, where they only talk politics, and where life has so many tragic elements that it becomes insupportable to any man who, like me, lives only for art."
"Have you finished?" asked the diplomatist.
"Nearly; it only remains for me to add, that if you render me this immense service, you will make me the happiest of men, and I shall be eternally grateful to you. What I ask is easy, it appears to me."
"For your good; in your interest I ought to do so."
"Parbleu! That is good!" cried the artist, quite disappointed.
"I know better than yourself what is good for you; let me explain myself."
"Speak, but I warn you beforehand, that you will not succeed in convincing me."
"Perhaps. I was saying, then, when you interrupted me," resumed he, imperturbably, "that you please me. Called by the confidence of the enlightened men who play the foremost parts in the glorious revolution of this noble country to occupy a high place in their counsels, I want near me an honest intelligent man, in whom I can trust, who understands Spanish--which I do not--and which I am told to learn; in a word, who will be devoted to me, and who will be rather a friend than a secretary. This man, after mature reflection, I have chosen--it is you."