"Because I am a perfect bear when I am made to get up at such early hours as that."
"Will you dine to-day with me?"
"With whom beside?"
"Lamy and Appert.... Will that please you?"
"Excellently well."
"Then at six o'clock to-night."
We shook hands and separated. I took advantage of being at the Palais-Royal to pay a series of calls. I went first to see Lassagne, who was as good-natured and amusing as ever; then I saw Ernest, who had risen a peg higher; then my friend de la Ponce who, from my old habits, thought I had come to ask him to put on his coat and hat; then, lastly, on M. Deviolaine. I entered his room, as usual, unannounced. He was as short-sighted as a mole and was writing with his face close to his paper, effacing the letters that he traced with his pen with the hairs of his nostrils. At the noise I made as I approached his writing-table, he lifted his head and recognised me.
"Ah! there you are," he said, "Monsieur Bully!"
"Here I am, true enough."
"I advise you to return to Soissons!"