Phellion. “Your language is unparliamentary and lacks the courtesy and consideration which are due to a colleague.”
Vimeux. “It seems to me that if what he says is false, the proper name for it is calumny, defamation of character; and such a slanderer deserves the thrashing.”
Fleury [getting hot]. “If the government offices are public places, the matter ought to be taken into the police-courts.”
Phellion [wishing to avert a quarrel, tries to turn the conversation]. “Gentleman, might I ask you to keep quiet? I am writing a little treatise on moral philosophy, and I am just at the heart of it.”
Fleury [interrupting]. “What are you saying about it, Monsieur Phellion?”
Phellion [reading]. “Question.—What is the soul of man?
“Answer.—A spiritual substance which thinks and reasons.”
Thuillier. “Spiritual substance! you might as well talk about immaterial stone.”
Poiret. “Don’t interrupt; let him go on.”
Phellion [continuing]. “Quest.—Whence comes the soul?