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Updated: June 5, 2025
"I am with you, madame," said the steward; then, making a speaking-trumpet of his hand, he cried to Faribole: "Strike all alone! strike until the cat has ceased to move!" and he rejoined Mother Michel in the court, where the domestics were drawn up in a line like a well-drilled battalion.
He was a good-natured boy, serviceable and quick, and, although a little awkward in his new clothes and at his new duties, he showed plenty of willingness. "Faribole," said the steward to his protégé, several days afterward, "It is well to let you know the ways of the house.
"Well, then, Faribole, I will give you lessons. Come, follow me; I will clothe you and take care of you at my own expense, in awaiting the arrival of Madame de la Grenouillère. She is a good lady, and will doubtless retain you; but if she does not, your education will be commenced, and you'll be able to place yourself elsewhere." "You are, then, in the service of the Countess?"
"It is useless," replied Madame de la Grenouillère; "your justification is impossible." The steward, believing it best to play a bold game, said with irony: "I am curious to know what unlikely story this rogue has to tell," and in accenting these words slowly he gave Faribole a glance which signified: "If you accuse me, woe to you!"
"I am her steward," said Father Lustucru, with dignity. The eyes of Faribole sparkled with pleasure; he bowed respectfully before the steward, and said with warmth: "Ah, how much I owe to you!" Faribole was installed that same day, and cordially received by the other servants of the household.
The miserable Faribole wished to protest, but at a sign from Madame de la Grenouillère, Lustucru seized him by the arm, led him through the door without further ceremony, and treated him in so rough a manner on the staircase as to quite relieve him of any idea of asking for his personal effects.
When Mother Michel, before going out, said to him, "I leave Moumouth in your charge; you must take care of him, and make him play, so that he will not fret too much during my absence," the poor lad felt his heart fail, and his natural loyalty revolted. "Come, we have not a minute to lose," said Father Lustucru to Faribole; "here is the sack; go look for the beast!"
"The cat shall be my friend, and I will be the friend of the cat," responded the young fellow, confidently. In effect, he showered on Moumouth so many kindnesses and caresses and attentions, that the cat, although naturally suspicious, conceived a lively attachment for Faribole, followed him with pleasure, teased him, and invited him to frolics.
Father Lustucru, animated by the nearness of his vengeance, did not remark what passed in the mind of his companion. Having thrown the sack rudely on the ground, the steward lifted his cudgel, and was about to strike when the small door of the garden opened. "How unfortunate!" he muttered; "Faribole, hide yourself in the hedge; I will come back here presently."
"You interest me," replied Father Lustucru, "and I've a wish to help you on in the world. Tell me, Faribole, have you a taste for cooking?" "Rather! I love the tid-bits, but my means do not allow me" "I did not ask you if you were fond of eating, stupid! I asked you if you had the taste, the inclination, to do cooking." "I don't know; I never tried."
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