The table was laid in an enormous tent which had been pitched for that purpose in the garden, and which was large enough to contain all the guests.
Croque had sedulously avoided Freluchon since the latter had introduced him to the man who spoke German. But when they repaired to the table, the little man succeeded in obtaining a seat next the soi-disant baron. The latter made a slight grimace when he saw who his neighbor was; but Freluchon at once said to him:
“I fixed it so as to sit by you at table; that was rather agreeable on my part, eh, baron?”
“It was exceedingly amiable of you!”
“I know that you’re a jolly buck; we’ll drink hard and straight.”
“I’ve promised not to drink to-day.”
“What’s that? what did you do that for? Suppose you should get a little tight! in the country one can let himself go.”
“At supper, I don’t say no, we will see; but I propose to keep my senses now.”
“Do you think there’ll be a supper?”
“I am sure of it.”