person you sent me, right away I--"

"Stop! why do you speak so loftily, Micou?" said Nicholas, interrupting
him, with a sardonic air. "Do you not despise me because I am in quod?"

"No, I despise no one," said the receiver, who did not care to make public
his past familiarity with this wretch.

"Well, then, speak as usual, or I shall believe you have no friendship for
me, and that would break my heart."

"As you like," said Micou, sighing. "I have busied myself with all your
little commissions."

"Well spoken, Micou. I knew well that you would not forget friends. The
weed?"

"I have left two pounds at the office, my lad."

"Is it good?"

"None better."

"And the ham?"

"Also left there, with a quartern loaf. I have added a little surprise you
did not expect--half a dozen hard-boiled eggs, and a fine Dutch cheese."

"That's what I call acting like a pal! And wine?"