Vagret. He's far from being an idiot, I assure you. He was secretary to the Conference in Paris; he is a doctor of laws and full of talent.

Bunerat. Talent!

Vagret. I assure you he has a real talent for speaking.

Bunerat. So we observed.

Vagret. He's a very distinguished young fellow.

Bunerat [with emphasis] Well! When a man has such talent as that he becomes an advocate; he doesn't enter the magistracy.

Madame Vagret [to La Bouzole, who approaches her] So really, Monsieur La Bouzole, it seems it's the fault of the new substitute.

Madame Bunerat. Tell us all about it.

La Bouzole. It was like this. [He turns towards the ladies and continues in a low tone. Bertha, who has entered the room, joins the group, of which Vagret also forms one]

Mouzon [to Bunerat] All this won't hasten our poor Vagret's nomination.