PRES. All that’s irrelevant.
COUN. DEF. No, M. le président, it ought to be known here how the State, which preaches increase of the population, treats its employés when they have children.
PRES [furious] You have no right to speak. [To the schoolmistress] Have you anything more to say?
SCH. No, M. le président.
PRES. Then sit down. Tupin, stand up.
TUPIN [a working man, mean and wretched] After you, Calvon.
PRES. What! What did you say?
TUPIN. I said ‘After you, Calvon.’ Calvon’s your name, isn’t it?
PRES. I warn you I shall not stand any insolence from you.