“But I thought——”
“La Dalmont and Demoiselle Agathe; does anybody know who they are?”
The names of Madame Dalmont and Agathe reached Edmond’s ears, and he listened, continuing his game.
“On the contrary,” cried Madame Remplumé, “we know much too well who they are!”
“Yes, you are right; we know some fine things about those flaunting hussies.”
“Of whom are you speaking, madame?” said Edmond, turning abruptly toward Madame Droguet.
“Of whom am I speaking, monsieur!” rejoined the giantess, slightly taken aback by this sudden question. “Why, in the first place, it seems to me that I am not accountable to you.”
“Madame was speaking of the persons with whom you pass your evenings,” observed Thélénie with a sneering smile.
“And madame, in speaking of those ladies, presumed to make use of expressions which I cannot and will not endure.”
“I have the vole and the king,” said Croque, marking three points.