Page 1249 - les-miserables

In spite of these qualities I have reason to fear that jeal-
ousy, the egotism of priviliged authors, may obtaine my
exclusion from the theatre, for I am not ignorant of the
mortifications with which new-comers are treated.
Monsiuer Pabourgeot, your just reputation as an enlight-
ened protector of men of litters emboldens me to send you
my daughter who will explain our indigant situation to you,
lacking bread and fire in this wynter season. When I say
to you that I beg you to accept the dedication of my drama
which I desire to make to you and of all those that I shall
make, is to prove to you how great is my ambition to have
the honor of sheltering myself under your protection, and of
adorning my writings with your name. If you deign to honor
me with the most modest offering, I shall immediately occu-
py myself in making a piesse of verse to pay you my tribute
of gratitude. Which I shall endeavor to render this piesse as
perfect as possible, will be sent to you before it is inserted
at the beginning of the drama and delivered on the stage.
To Monsieur
and Madame Pabourgeot,
My most respectful complements,
Genflot, man of letters.
P. S. Even if it is only forty sous.
Excuse me for sending my daughter and not presenting
myself, but sad motives connected with the toilet do not
permit me, alas! to go out.
Finally, Marius opened the fourth letter. The ad-
dress ran: To the benevolent Gentleman of the church
of Saint-Jacquesdu-haut-Pas. It contained the following

1249