"Germain would say: 'The governor is out of his head.'"
"And forty sous a-head out of his pocket," said Chalamel.
"Well done! the first chemist was right who said: 'Bitter as _Calomel!_'"
"Seriously, I believe that the governor is sick."
"For ten days past, he is scarcely to be recognized. His cheeks are so hollow, that you might thrust in your fist."
"And he is so absent-minded, that it is curious to see him. The other day he took off his glasses to read a deed; his eyes were red as live coals."
"He was right; short reckonings make long friends."
"For heaven's sake, don't cut me with your saws. I tell you, gentlemen, that it is very singular. It was upside down."
"Which was upside down?--the deed or the governor? It is singular, as you say. What the devil was he doing in that position? I should think it would have given him the apoplexy, unless his habits, as you say, have changed very suddenly."
"How wearisome you are, Chalamel! I mean that it was the deed which I presented wrong end foremost."
"Not at all; he didn't even perceive it. He looked at it for ten minutes, with his bloodshot eyes fixed upon it, and then he gave it back to me, saying: 'Quite correct.'"
"He couldn't, unless he can read upside down."
"He looked so gloomy and savage, that I dared not open my lips, and I went away as if nothing had happened."
"I have got something to tell you. Four days ago I was in the office of the head clerk, and in come one client, two clients, three clients, with whom the governor had made an appointment. They waited impatiently, and requested me to go and rap at the door of the study. I rapped, and, receiving no answer, I walked in."
"M. Ferrand lying upon his arms, which were placed upon the table, and his bald head uncovered. He did not stir."
"I thought so. I approached him, and said: 'There are some clients outside, who wish to see you.' He did not move. 'M. Ferrand!' No reply. At length I touched his shoulder, and he started up as if the devil had bitten him. His motion was so sudden, that his big glasses fell off from his nose, and I saw--you never can believe it--"
"When you see him cry, ladybirds will play on the French horn!"
"Pshaw! your nonsense won't prevent me from knowing what I saw with my own eyes. I tell you I saw him as I have described."