“Let us hear it.”
“‘Neighborly Love; or, the Exterminator of the Incredulous, the Indifferent, the Lukewarm, and Others,’ with this motto from the great Bossuet: ‘Those who are not for us are against us.’”
“That is what Philemon says in the battles at the Chaumiere, when he shakes his cane.”
“Which proves, that the genius of the Eagle of Meaux is universal. I only reproach him for having been jealous of Moliere.”
“Bah! actor’s jealousy,” said Rose-Pompon.
“Naughty girl!” cried Ninny Moulin, threatening her with his finger.
“But if you are going to exterminate Madame de la Sainte-Colombo, who is somewhat lukewarm—how about your marriage?”
“My journal will advance it, on the contrary. Only think! editor-In chief is a superb position; the sacristans will praise, and push, and support, and bless me; I shall get La-Sainte-Colombe—and then, what a life I’ll lead!”
At this moment, a postman entered the shop, and delivered a letter to the greengrocer, saying: “For M. Charlemagne, post-paid!”
“My!” said Rose-Pompon; “it is for the little mysterious old man, who has such extraordinary ways. Does it come from far?”