And the _préfet_, throwing the chewed end of his cigar into the middle of the floor, finished with these words: “You see, my poor Guitrel, that your affairs are not making headway.” M. Guitrel stammered: “I do not see, Monsieur _le préfet_, I do not perceive anything, in such speeches, that is calculated to produce in you this impression of … discouragement. On the contrary, I should rather derive from it a sentiment of … confidence. …” M. _le préfet_ Worms-Clavelin lit a cigar and said with a laugh: “Who knows whether they are not right, at the bureaux? … But reassure yourself, my dear abbé, I do not abandon you. Let’s see, whom have we on our side?” He opened his left hand, in order to count on his fingers. They both considered. They found a senator of the department who was beginning to emerge from the difficulties into which the recent scandals had plunged him, a retired general, politician, publicist and financier, the bishop of Ecbatana, well known in the artistic world, and Théophile Mayer, the friend of the ministers. “But, my dear Guitrel,” cried the _préfet_, “you have only the rag-tag and bobtail on your side.” Abbé Guitrel endured these manners, but he did not like them. He looked at the _préfet_ with a saddened air and pressed his sinuous lips together. M. Worms-Clavelin, who had no spite, regretted the playfulness of his words and took pains to console the old man: “Come! come! they are by no means the worst protectors. Besides, my wife is for you. And Noémi by herself is well able to make a bishop.” [Illustration] THE WORKS OF ANATOLE FRANCE IN AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION EDITED BY THE LATE FREDERIC CHAPMAN, J. LEWIS MAY AND BERNARD MIALL Uniform, Demy 8vo. 7/6 net $2.50 net per volume. LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD. NEW YORK: JOHN LANE COMPANY. ANATOLE FRANCE