"My dear Denoisel, it's more difficult than you imagine. And then, too, when one does not care about going too far from Paris. Besides, between ourselves, I can tell you that it's almost arranged. In about a month from now I have every reason to believe——"
"What début were you speaking of?" asked Barousse.
"Bradizzi's," answered Davarande.
"Ah, Bradizzi! Isn't she astounding!" said Reverchon. "She has some runs that are wonderfully light. The other day I was in the manager's box on the stage and we couldn't hear her touch the ground when she was dancing."
"We expected to see you yesterday evening, Henri," said Mme. Davarande to her brother.
"Yesterday I was at my lecture," he answered.
"Henri has been appointed reporter," said Mme. Mauperin proudly.
"Ah," put in Denoisel, "the d'Aguesseau lecture? That's still going on then, your speechifying affair? How many are there in it?"
"Two hundred."
"And all statesmen? It's quite alarming. What were you to report on?"