"Yes, messieurs, it's I," said Pigeonnier, wiping his forehead. "You are well started already, I see. I speak for a place."
"You can come in with Balivan," said Célestin. "There are six of us now; two will go out on the quarter-hour."
"And Monsieur Dupétrain?"
"Who ever heard of Dupétrain playing cards? Upon my soul, I believe he's trying to magnetize my manikin!"
"Well, Tobie," said Albert, "what news of our fair one? Are you content? Did she accept the substitution with a good grace?"
"I am perfectly content!" Pigeonnier replied, trying to assume a triumphant swagger. "She didn't seem at all angry over the adventure; she treated me very kindly."
"Good—I understand. So everything went as you wished, eh?"
"In other words, it is impossible for me to be happier than I have been."
"What did I tell you?"
"You're not attending to your game, Albert," said Célestin.