Léon laughed. "There was a time, many years ago, when I sat in an office and said very much the same thing to my own superior." He said, taking a cigarette of his own, and touching it to the flame of the candle on the desk to his left, taking a deep inhalation. "You are a talented young man. The citizens of France would thank you for it if they understood the importance of your work. Until they do, the Commitee will have to pay you for your skills." He said, pausing a long moment.

"There is, however, a matter while I have not brought up with you, but the Commitee demand that I do. Have you spoken to your family of late, Augustine?"