BRIGNAC [taking his sword into the anteroom] By Jove, no!
LUCIE. Well, how did the luncheon go off?
BRIGNAC [throwing away his cigar-end] Very well. I’ll tell you all about it in a minute. [Going to the door to the right and calling through] Has M. Mouton come?
A VOICE [from outside] Yes, monsieur le sous-préfet. Shall I tell him he’s wanted?
BRIGNAC. No. Bring me my letters. [He closes the door and comes back] Shall I never catch that fellow out?
LUCIE. Why do you want to?
BRIGNAC. I want to get rid of him, of course, and get a young chap. An unmarried man wouldn’t ask half the salary I give this one.
A clerk enters bringing letters.
CLERK. The letters, monsieur le sous-préfet.