"Well, my dear friend," he resumed after a while, "so you have come back from India, eh? I suppose you'll be a fixture in our little circle now, and will honour my assemblies with your distinguished presence?"
"I am much obliged to you for the invitation, but I am no longer rich enough to take part in them. Griffard refuses to lend me another sou, and I am obliged to learn the science of economy like any other Philistine."
"Ah, that's a pity for you, for you cannot find it very amusing. You would do more wisely if you made it up with your uncle."
"I would rather be a bandit than a beggar."
"Take care you don't fall into a snare."
"What snare can you possibly imagine?"
"Your uncle is as much enamoured of his wife as ever, or I am greatly mistaken."
"I rather incline to think that some one else may be enamoured of her."
"That would be somewhat singular."
"Why should you think so?"