Bixiou. “Good! my little man.”
Poiret. “Dear me!”
Fleury. “True! when one refuses to pay one’s debts, that’s recognizing them.”
Thuillier. “You would make famous lawyers.”
Poiret. “I am as curious as Monsieur Phellion to know what grounds Monsieur Bixiou has for—”
Bixiou [shouting across the office]. “Du Bruel! Will you bet?”
Du Bruel [appearing at the door]. “Heavens and earth, gentlemen, I’m very busy; I have something very difficult to do; I’ve got to write an obituary notice of Monsieur de la Billardiere. I do beg you to be quiet; you can laugh and bet afterwards.”
Bixiou. “That’s true, du Bruel; the praise of an honest man is a very difficult thing to write. I’d rather any day draw a caricature of him.”
Du Bruel. “Do come and help me, Bixiou.”
Bixiou [following him]. “I’m willing; though I can do such things much better when eating.”