“Thanks! oh! no, I thank you! I’ve had enough; I’ve had my reckoning.—De Belleville, give me your hand, old fellow.”
When he was on his feet once more, Croque walked toward Freluchon and offered him his hand, saying:
“Young man, you’re a fine fellow; you have my esteem; let’s be friends.”
“Ah! you’re satisfied now, are you, monsieur le baron? You don’t want to fight any more?”
“I am perfectly satisfied. Shake! I am very glad to have made your acquaintance.”
“And I was certain that it would end like this. Bonsoir, messieurs; I am going to hunt up Edmond.”
“Until to-morrow, Freluchon; we rely on you. Try to bring Monsieur Edmond; my wife has invited him too.”
“Parbleu! I don’t doubt it; but I don’t know what he means to do. Until to-morrow.”
“No ill-will, Monsieur—Merluchon?”
“Oh! not the slightest, baron.”