"Something which you will confide to me?"
"I think not."
"In that case, let us go to dinner."
They went to the restaurant on Boulevard du Temple. As they were about to ascend the flight of stairs leading to the first floor, three gentlemen who seemed to have dined very well came down. One of them, finding himself face to face with Dupont, uttered an exclamation of surprise as he looked at him, and slapped him on the back.
"Well, upon my word!" he cried; "this is an unexpected meeting! It's Dupont, dear old Dupont! What does this mean? You are in Paris, and haven't been to see me?"
Dupont turned scarlet, he hung his head, and stammered:
"Ah! is it you, Jolibois? Bonjour! How are you? Adieu!"
And he tried to pass with Georgette, who had his arm.
But Monsieur Jolibois caught him by the sleeve, and continued:
"Well! do you hurry away like this when you meet a friend? When did you leave Brives-la-Gaillarde? Is your wife with you? Don't run away, I say; I'm very glad to see you. Poor Dupont! Do you still sleep like a marmot? For that's all you did when I was at Brives-la-Gaillarde, and your wife complained of it. Ha! ha! she complained bitterly, did your dear spouse!"