"How did you manage it, professor?" asked Marcel.
"That is my affair," said Delapine, "but you may rest assured that I have told you the truth."
"And my wife? Do you mean to say that you have pacified her?" asked Villebois.
"Perfectly," answered Delapine, "she has quite forgiven Payot, and will welcome him again most cordially."
"What?" cried Villebois, "Is it really a fact that you have succeeded in twisting her round your little finger as well?"
"Why not? It was the easiest thing in the world."
"Well, ma foi, I never could all the years I have been married. You are a marvel, professor, that's all I can say."