At this moment du Tillet, coming up to Raoul with every mark of friendliness, pressed his hand, and said:
“Well, old fellow, how are you?”
“As well as a man is likely to be who has just got the best possible news of the election. I shall be successful,” replied Raoul, radiant.
“Delighted,” said du Tillet. “We shall want money for the paper.”
“The money will be found,” said Raoul.
“The devil is with these women!” exclaimed du Tillet, still unconvinced by the words of Raoul, whom he had nicknamed Charnathan.
“What are you talking about?” said Raoul.
“My sister-in-law is there with my wife, and they are hatching something together. You seem in high favor with the Countess; she is bowing to you right across the house.”
“Look,” said Mme. du Tillet to her sister, “they told us wrong. See how my husband fawns on M. Nathan, and it is he who they declared was trying to get him put in prison!”
“And men call us slanderers!” cried the Countess. “I will give him a warning.”