COL. My dear fellow, remember that, as a bachelor, you are out of this discussion.
SOUS-IN. I withdraw.
CHEV. I didn’t mean that for you, Laurent. [To the Colonel] M. Laurent, the mayor of Ste. Geneviève, was formerly a workman of mine, but he came into a little money, and went back to his native place. [To Laurent] No—I didn’t mean it for you; but they’re not all like you, you know.
BRIGNAC [to Laurent] So you refuse to form an association too?
LAUR. Refuse, M. le sous-préfet? No.
BRIGNAC. At last! Here’s a mayor who understands his duties. He’ll start the thing among his people, and before long we shall have the commune of Ste. Geneviève setting an example to the whole of France.
LAUR. Don’t get that into your head, monsieur; you’ll be disappointed.
BRIGNAC. No, no.
LAUR. Whether you form your association or don’t form your association, the people at home are too sensible to have more children than they’ve cradles for. They know too well they must put a bit by.