"Then it is agreed; we will dine together the day after to-morrow. Yes, two days more, and then I shall be very sure that my parrot won't make a mistake. Just we three will dine together, to laugh as loud as we please, and talk nonsense; and at Bonvalet's as before. You agree, do you not, my dear neighbor? I say 'my dear neighbor' from habit."
"Excuse me, my dear Saint-Arthur, your invitation is certainly very kind, but——"
"Oh! no buts! Zizi will be so pleased to dine with you again! you can't refuse."
"I accept, but on one condition."
"Well, what is it? Speak; I agree to it in advance."
"Well, it is that your friend, Monsieur Jéricourt, shall also be of the party as before."
"The deuce! you surprise me! you want Jéricourt to be one of us? Why, I thought that you didn't like him."
"I say again, if you wish to have me, have that gentleman too; I have a special reason for wishing to meet him."
"That makes a difference; in that case, I will invite him; he shall be one of us. I have not seen so much of him lately. He lives in the Chaussée d'Antin. He puts on a lot of airs because he has had a play accepted at the Odéon.—But no matter, he will come."
"Don't mention me to him; I fancy that that would make him disinclined to come."