'Take it
out of the woods and teach it,' said he, 'and it will have all Paris
following it.' That to me, a poor blacksmith, with only my bread and sour
milk, and a hundred dollars a year or so, and a sup of brandy when I can
get it."
The charcoalman spoke up. "You'll not forget the indulgences folks give
you more than the pay for setting the dropped shoe--true gifts of God,
bought with good butter and eggs at the holy auction, blacksmith. I gave
you two myself. You have your blessings, Lajeunesse."
"So; and no one to use the indulgences but you and Madelinette, giant,"
said the fat mealman.
"Ay, thank the Lord, we've done well that way!" said the blacksmith,
drawing himself up--for he loved nothing better than to be called the
giant, though he was known to many as petit enfant, in irony of his size.
Lagroin was now impatient. He could not see the drift of this, and he was
about to whisper to Parpon, when the little man sent him a look,
commanding silence, and he fretted on dumbly.
"See, my blacksmith," said Parpon, "your bird shall be taught to sing,
and to Paris she shall go by and by."
"Such foolery!" said Duclosse.
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