Bunerat [delighted] I don't recall it.

Mouzon. It really was very witty! [He laughs]

Bunerat. What was it? Did I say anything witty? I don't remember.

Mouzon. Anything? A dozen things—a score. You were in form that day! What a figure he cut—the prisoner. You know, the fellow who was so badly dressed. Cock his name was.

Bunerat. Ah, yes! When I said: "Cock, turn yourself on and let your confession trickle out!"

Mouzon [laughing] That was it! That was it! And the witness for the defence—that idiot. Didn't you make him look a fool? He couldn't finish his evidence, they laughed so when you said: "If you wish to conduct the case, only say so. Perhaps you'd like to take my place?"

Bunerat. Ah, yes! Ladies, my good friend here reminds me of a rather amusing anecdote. The other day—it was in the Correctional Court—

The Manservant [announcing] Monsieur Gabriel Ardeuil.

Scene VI:—The same, with Ardeuil.

Ardeuil [to Madame Vagret] I hope you'll forgive me for coming so late. I was detained until now.