Bertha [She takes the list from the over-mantel] The President of Assizes—the President of the Court—
Madame Vagret. Yes. Yes, that's all right; nine in all, isn't it?
Bertha. Nine.
Madame Vagret. Nine! To have nine people coming to dinner, and not to know the exact hour at which they'll arrive! That's what's so trying about these dinners we have to give at the end of a session—in honor of the President of Assizes. One dines when the Court rises. When the Court rises! Well, we'll await the good pleasure of these gentlemen! [She sighs] Well, child!
Bertha. Mother?
Madame Vagret. Are you still anxious to marry a magistrate?
Bertha [with conviction] I am not!
Madame Vagret. But you were two years ago!
Bertha. I am not now!
Madame Vagret. Look at us! There's your father. Procurator of the Republic—Public Prosecutor—State Attorney; in a court of the third class, it's true, because he's not a wire-puller, because he hasn't played the political game. And yet he's a valuable man—no one can deny that. Since he's been District Attorney he has secured three sentences of penal servitude for life! And in a country like this, where crimes are so frightfully rare! That's pretty good, don't you think? Of course, I know he'll have had three acquittals in the session that ends to-day. Granted. But that was mere bad luck. And for protecting society as he does—what do they pay him? Have you any idea?