"The truth is," I
said, "that M. Grabot here is not so much to blame. He was the
victim of a trick which these rascals played on him; and in an
idle moment I let it go on. That is the whole secret. However,
I forgive him for his officiousness since it brings us together,
and I shall now have the pleasure of your company to Vitre."
Laval assented heartily to this, and I did not think fit to tell
him more, nor did he inquire; the Mayor's stupidity passing
current for all. For M. Grabot himself, I think that I never saw
a man more completely confounded. He stood staring with his
mouth open; and, as much deserted as the statesman who has fallen
from office, had not the least credit even with his own
sycophants, who to a man deserted him and flocked about the Mayor
of Gol. Though I had no reason to pity him, and, indeed, thought
him well punished, I took the opportunity of saying a word to him
before I mounted; which, though it was only a hint that he should
deal gently with the woman of the house, was received with
servility equal to the arrogance he had before displayed; and I
doubt not it had all the effect I desired.
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