The agent carefully examined his coat and trousers, muttering:
"To think that I have two of each now! it was hardly worth while!"
"What! have you bought another black coat?"
"I had to."
"Have you had occasion to take part in some grand function—a wedding, or a funeral?"
"I had occasion—I had occasion to be dressed handsomely."
"Chamoureau, you have secrets from your best friend; that is not right. I've brought you a stick of sugar-candy from Rouen."
"Don't talk to me about candy, Freluchon, I beg you. You remind me of Mi-Carême night, which I would like to efface from my memory!"
"Why, I was under the impression that you made a magnificent conquest that night; you told us so, at all events."
"Yes, that's so; I did meet a fascinating woman, and she gave me permission to call on her; but I've been no more fortunate for that. Four times now within five days I have been to see her, in the hope of finding her less cruel; but I am always told that she isn't in. I begin to think that she doesn't propose to receive me again."