His Excellency by Émile Zola

In the next morning's _Moniteur_ Rougon's resignation was officially announced. It was stated that he had resigned for 'reasons of health. ' After his lunch, wishing to set everything in order for his successor, he went down to the Council of State, and installed himself in the spacious room hung with crimson and gold, which was assigned to the President. And there, in front of a large rosewood writing-table, he began to empty the drawers and classify the papers, which he tied up in bundles with pieces of pink tape. All at once, however, he rang the bell, and an usher entered the room -- a splendidly built man who had served in the cavalry.

'Give me a lighted candle,' said Rougon.