"There's no doubt but what it's the fashion nowadays," said Madame Putiphar.
"And the count may ask for it, you think?" queried Aldegonde.
"He or his friend Dodichet."
"Then we must send out for some."
Monsieur Mirotaine stamped the floor angrily, as he cried:
"Plague take Brid'oison with his absinthe! Why need he have asked for it? I refuse to buy any! If these gentlemen ask for it, you must say that we've just broken the bottle.—Do you drink absinthe, Monsieur Callé?"
"Oh! no, indeed! never, monsieur."
"Good! that proves that you have a good stomach, which does not need any stimulants to help digestion."
"All right! everyone to his own opinion! When Artaban's twelve years old, I shall have him drink absinthe before his gymnastics."