"Yes, with a bullet which flew only a couple of inches above my head."
"Do you think so?"
"I am certain of it."
"If you are certain of it, Monsieur de la Mole," said La Hurière, picking up his stew-pan with an innocent air, "I am too thoroughly at your service to give you the lie."
"Well," said La Mole, "as far as I am concerned I make no demand upon you."
"What, my dear gentleman"—
"Except"—
"Aïe! aïe!" groaned La Hurière.
"Except a dinner for myself and my friends every time I find myself in your neighborhood."
"How is this?" exclaimed La Hurière in an ecstasy. "I am at your service, my dear gentleman; I am at your service."