“It never will be since it is not finished now.”
“Perhaps you are right, but I shall lose six months regaining my present vantage-ground.”
“Good! In three days you will have written half a volume.”
“Then you will help me.”
“Yes, for I shall give you two characters.”
“Is that all?”
“You are too exacting! The rest is your affair; I am busy with my ‘Question d’Argent.’”
“Well, who are your two characters, then?”
“An English gentleman and a French captain.”
“Introduce the Englishman first.”