248 Les Miserables
bility, at full trot, at the rate of three leagues an hour. It is
necessary for the good of the country that we should be,
like the rest of the world, prefects, fathers of families, rural
police, and councillors of state. Venerate us. We are sacri-
ficing ourselves. Mourn for us in haste, and replace us with
speed. If this letter lacerates you, do the same by it. Adieu.‘For the space of nearly two years we have made
you happy. We bear you no grudge for that.
‘Signed:
BLACHEVELLE.
FA M U EI L.
LISTOLIER.
FELIX THOLOMYES.
‘Postscriptum. The dinner is paid for.’
The four young women looked at each other.
Favourite was the first to break the silence.
‘Well!’ she exclaimed, ‘it’s a very pretty farce, all the
sa me.’
‘It is very droll,’ said Zephine.
‘That must have been Blachevelle’s idea,’ resumed Favou-
rite. ‘It makes me in love with him. No sooner is he gone
than he is loved. This is an adventure, indeed.’
‘No,’ said Dahlia; ‘it was one of Tholomyes’ ideas. That
is evident.
‘In that case,’ retorted Favourite, ‘death to Blachevelle,
and long live Tholomyes!’
‘Long live Tholomyes!’ exclaimed Dahlia and Zephine.
And they burst out laughing.