"God's truth."
"How did it come about?"
"Oh! bah! it is too long a story; besides, it is not very interesting...."
"Wrong again, my friend," I said to him; "I am not like ordinary people: everything interests me. As for what you say about the tale being long, well, if it bores me, I will ask you to cut it short."
"We are not in a suitable place here. Indeed, Jouslin de la Salle has already twice tried to silence us."
"They will only think I am asking you your part."
Then he burst out laughing, a good open laugh, showing lovely white teeth.
I like people who can laugh, however poor they are, for it shows they are good-hearted and possess a sound digestion.
"Listen," I said to him, "you are not in the next act."
"No, nor in the one after that ... I only come on again at the burning of Moscow."