BRIGNAC. If you think that an association will make no difference why do you agree to form one?

LAUR. Because I want you to get me what you promised me.

BRIGNAC. What was that?

LAUR. You know.

BRIGNAC. No, I don’t.

Laurent touches his buttonhole.

BRIGNAC [angrily] Is that what we’ve come to? We were speaking of the good of the community.

CHEV [the same] It’s most discouraging. We point out to you that the trade of the country is in danger.

BRIGNAC. And you only think of yourself.

CHEV. You only think of yourself.