MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
But sometimes, I should like—
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
What?
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Something else.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
What do you mean, Madame de Kriegschenmahl?
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: Don't be upset, Mr. de Kriegschenmahl; I have a bounty to ask of you. For twenty-five years we've made a party of whist every night. I'd like to try this French game they say is so gay: Reversi. Do you consent to it, my dear husband? I wouldn't permit myself to do it without your approval.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: I give it to you.
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Ah, how good you are! We could try it with our two sons.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: Yes. That will be a family match. That's always a pleasure. But haven't you noticed that for some time your cherished son, the one you named Licidas, is 24 years old? On account of this English novel you haven't had time to finish. Well! Licidas de Kriegschenmahl is very rarely at home. Where's this leading?
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: Licidas is too well brought up for me to suspect his conduct. I'm sure he's busy with the new agricultural course which has just started up. He loves the country, solitude; he's modest and timid. Not the same as your Corporal Rodolphe. Truly, as for me, his mother, he frightens me when he talks.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: He's a man of sense, my younger son is. He doesn't have the complexion of roses and lillies like your Licidas. He isn't made for domestic life like you and your son; but he's reasonable and I'll go so far as to bet that your Licidas will commit more stupidities than Rodolphe.