"I am thinking of the unlucky Chamoureau, whom this fair lady is making a fool of. As you don't mean to go to this rendezvous, we must send him in your place."
"The deuce! do you mean it?"
"Indeed I do! It bores you to receive passionate notes from this Thélénie every hour in the day, does it not?"
"Ah, yes! it bores me terribly, and I would give anything in the world to induce her to leave me in peace."
"Well! this is the best possible way to put an end to the persecutions of your Hermione. When you have sent Chamoureau to her in your place, I'll answer for it that she won't make any more assignations with you.—And then suppose it should result in making the poor fellow happy, in making him the happy vanquisher of the woman he adores—where would be the harm? Will you let me go ahead?"
"I have no objection, on the condition that you go to Chelles with me."
"You still hold to that plan, do you? What on earth shall I do there?"
"Eat matelotes at Gournay. They are very famous."
"That argument persuades me. I have never been able to resist a matelote.—I hear the bell; I'll bet it's Chamoureau."
"Bless my soul! I remember now that he forbade me to tell you of his love for Thélénie."