“As real as can be!” replied Croque; “and if you want to bet a few napoleons on my opponent, I’ll take all bets.”
“I! I think not! I’ll bet two sous and no more!”
“Well, mesdames, have you enjoyed yourselves?” inquired Thélénie.
“Oh! your party is simply enchanting, Madame de Belleville; it is magnificent!”
“Admirable!”
“What a charming company you have brought together!”
“I tried to have the best people in the neighborhood.”
“And you have succeeded.”
“I did think for a moment of inviting those two ladies who bought Monsieur Courtivaux’s house, but——”
“Fie! fie! my dear love! What were you thinking of? why those women are not received anywhere!”