Mouzon. It's not that. I was rather worried at Bordeaux.
Recorder. About your stamps?
Mouzon. No, no. [A sigh to himself] Damn the women! The very thing I didn't want. [He takes his album again] When I've got that Hayti specimen I shall need only three more to fill this page too. Yes. [He closes the album] Well, what's the post? Ah! Here is the information from Paris in respect of the woman Etchepare and her husband's judicial record. [The doorkeeper enters with a visiting-card] Who is coming to disturb me now? [More agreeably, having read the name] Ah! Ah! [To the recorder] I shall see him alone.
Recorder. Yes, your worship. [He goes out]
Mouzon [to the doorkeeper] Show him in. [He hides his album, picks up a brief, and affects to be reading it with the utmost attention]
Scene II:—Enter Mondoubleau.
Mondoubleau [speaking with a strong provincial accent] I was passing the Law Courts, and I thought I'd look in and say how do. I am not disturbing you, I hope?
Mouzon [smiling and closing his brief] My dear deputy, an examining magistrate, as you know, is always busy. But it gives one a rest—it does one good—to see a welcome caller once in a while. Sit down, I beg you. Yes, please!
Mondoubleau. I can stop only a minute.
Mouzon. But that's unkind of you!