Vagret. My dearest! Come, come, you are wrong there.

Madame Vagret [still tearful] My poor darling! I know very well it isn't your fault; you do your best. Your only failing is that you are too scrupulous, and I am not the one to reproach you for that. But what can you expect? It's no use talking; everybody gets ahead of us. Soon you'll be the oldest District Attorney in France.

Vagret. Come, come! Where's the Year Book?

Madame Vagret [still in the same tone] It's there—the dates, the length of service. See further on, dear.

Vagret [throwing the Year Book aside] Don't cry like that! Remember I'm chosen to succeed Lefévre.

Madame Vagret. I know that.

Vagret. I'm on the list for promotion.

Madame Vagret. So is everybody.

Vagret. And I have the Attorney-General's definite promise—and the presiding judge's too.

Madame Vagret. It's the deputy's promise you ought to have.