"And well peppered, I hope," said the captain. "My wife loves highly-seasoned dishes."
"We will put in a taste of Spanish pimento."
And, having enumerated all the dishes, the marquis added:
"But would not your illustrious lady like some sweet dishes after the joint?"
"The devil! yes. I had nearly forgotten that she recommended a certain omelette au musc."
"Perhaps your lordship means aux pistaches? That is a dish of my own invention."
"The deuce you say! She told me that it was invented by the old man."
"The old man? Who dares, boast of having discovered before me the omelette au riz and aux pistaches?"
"Faith, old Bois-Doré, if I must mention that idiot of idiots in good company!"
Bois-Doré bit his lips.