"Very well; come down there for a moment with me."
"I think I will, as it's only a step. I'll just go and say two words to him."
Seeing Dubotté take his hat, his wife cried:
"What, Philémon! are you going out?"
"For ten minutes only; I will come right back."
"And monsieur here?"
"Pardieu! I don't stand on ceremony with Monsieur Callé. He will certainly excuse me if I go out for a moment."
"Oh! as long as you choose, monsieur; don't mind me."
"Besides, you're playing cards with him. Play on! play on! make double bézique! I am coming right back."
"But, Philémon——"