"And you will do me a great pleasure if you will examine every thing
with the utmost care. In the republic we are all alike, and I do not
see why I should not be served to-day as another would be on the
morrow. You know, probably, that I have been appointed collector at
Porte Macon, and after to-morrow I shall have to inspect the goods
of other people. It is all fair that I should have my turn to-day.
Besides, you will not have much more to examine, we are almost
through; I believe there is only a basket with the soiled clothes
yet to come. That is the sacred possession of my wife, and she was
going to bring it out herself, with the commissioner's help. Yes,
there they come."
At that moment, Jeanne Marie appeared in the court, followed by
Toulan. They brought along, by two ropes which served as handles, a
large and longish basket, whose half-opened cover brought to view
all kinds of women's clothes.
"Room there," cried Simon, with a laugh, "room for the Citoyenne
Simon and her costly dowry!"
"Come, no joking, Simon," said his wife, threatening him with her
fist and laughing. "If my dowry is not costly enough, I will only
ask you to provide me with better things."
"Your dowry is magnificent," said Simon, "and there is not a single
article lacking to make it complete. Come, I will help the
commissioner put the basket in the wagon, for it is too heavy for
you, my fairest one!"
He took hold of the basket with his strong arm, and helped the
commissioner swing it into the wagon.
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