"A billet-doux, eh? Oh! for heaven's sake, let the women alone! We are here to eat and laugh."
"This is how it is, messieurs. There's——"
"Oh! my dear fellow," cried Tobie, hurrying to Albert's side, "let's not compromise anybody! we agreed to be close-mouthed!"
"So long as he doesn't mention the lady's name," said Célestin, "I don't see why he can't tell the story."
"Surely I can. I am turning over one of my mistresses to Tobie, messieurs,—assuming, of course, that she is willing to accept him as a substitute."
"You can't be certain of that," laughed Mouillot; "for he hasn't the figure."
"Do you say you've been drawn in the conscription?" inquired Balivan, who had not heard the beginning of the conversation.
"No, no; I have bought a substitute.—Come, Albert, write my letter; for I am afraid we shall hardly be in the mood for writing after dinner."
"I am sending Tobie to an assignation in my place," said Albert, "and I am going to give him a letter of introduction."
"Well, you can write your letter while I am writing the order for dinner. It will give you inspiration. Here come the writing materials."