“As if women ever meddled in science! It’s an idea that came into my head as I contemplated the magnificent lindens in our avenue. You haven’t seen our avenue yet, have you?”
“I have seen nothing, as I have just arrived; but when you have found out the age of a tree, what will you do with it?”
“Oh! you distress me, Freluchon! When one makes a scientific discovery, one endows one’s country with it, and the country rewards one. It may lead to anything!”
At that moment a vinous voice arose in the distance, calling:
“Hallo there! Belleville! damnation! Belleville! What in the deuce has become of our friend? Ho there! you fellows!”
“Hark! it seems to me that I hear the baron’s voice!” said Chamoureau; “he is looking for me.—This way, baron, this way! It’s getting dark, and this village isn’t lighted with gas as yet.”
Croque was tipsy; but as he was accustomed to being in that condition, he was quite firm on his legs, and even essayed to twirl his cane from time to time. However, as he walked toward Chamoureau, he failed to notice rather a deep rut, and he fell at full length in the road.
Thereupon he emitted a string of oaths calculated to appall a carter.
“Bless my soul!” cried Chamoureau, “I believe that Monsieur de Schtapelmerg has made a false step!”
“I am inclined to think that he has fallen altogether,” observed Freluchon.