Delorme. Seriously, I beg you to take the brief back.

Vagret. Come! You can't imagine that Maître Plaçat, who has a hundred cases to plead, can be present at all your interrogations. You know what usually happens. He'll send some little secretary—if he sends anyone.

Delorme. I beg you not to insist, my dear Vagret. My decision is irrevocable.

Vagret. Then—

Delorme. Allow me to take my leave. I don't want to meet my colleagues who are dining with you.

Vagret. Then I'll see you to-morrow. I'm sorry—

Delorme. Good-night.

He goes out. Madame Vagret at once enters by another door.

Scene V:—Vagret, Madame Vagret, then Bertha, Bunerat, La Bouzole, Mouzon.

Madame Vagret. Well, I heard—he gave you back the brief.