"I like everything you have on, even the so badly arranged cravat! I am consumed with impatience! Come!"
"But why? Are you hasting to see the unspeakable Bancroft?"
"But yes! Whom else? I will explain en route."
De Bergeret suffered himself to be led to the door.
"Philippe, it is not convenable to display such enthusiasm. Languor is now the fashion."
"I am a fashion unto myself, then. I am an original. And I go to call out M. Bancroft!"
De Bergeret stopped short.
"What! A brawl? No, then, I'll not come!"
"A brawl? Is it possible? I shall conduct the affair with great douceur, I assure you! You and Saint-Dantin are to be my seconds."
"Miséricorde! Philippe, you become more and more tiresome!" expostulated his friend. "Why must you fight this fellow?"