“Freluchon, you see a very happy man.”
“No one would think it to see you walk.”
“Freluchon, I am married again; the lovely Thélénie has become my wife.”
“Aha! so that’s what gives you such an idiotic look, is it? I supposed at first that it was the result of your new wealth; but you’re married, so there’s a double explanation.”
“Yes, Freluchon, I am.”
“You have been married once already; but you were bent on doing it again, and it was your right.”
“Ah! my friend, I am the most fortunate of men!”
“You say that as if you were reciting a fable: ‘A crow perched on a tree——’”
“Tell me, Freluchon, why won’t you believe that I am happy?”
“Bless my soul! I ask nothing better than to believe it. If it is so, so much the better; but as I know these women, as I know that when they have once found a dupe to cover up their past misconduct, they acquire such authority over him that he becomes a mere nobody—an utterly ridiculous person—well, I didn’t know that that rôle would suit you. But it does suit you, so it’s all right, it’s your business. March gayly on, my poor Chamoureau, and may——”