Saint-Arthur was dumfounded; Jéricourt compressed his lips and the little actress began to laugh, saying:
"You don't seem to be very strong in the matter of etiquette, Alfred; you'll never be appointed an ambassador, my boy!"
Jéricourt, observing that the strange guest was of a punctilious temper and familiar with good society, decided to take the thing jocosely; and he rejoined, bowing to Roncherolle:
"In truth, it was my place to be presented to monsieur, for he has the advantage of age."
"A melancholy advantage, is it not, monsieur? But one must needs accept it when it comes."
"Will you have some oysters, Jéricourt? I'll ring for the waiter."
"No, thanks, I don't eat oysters; I don't care about them any more."
"The deuce! you don't care about oysters! Why, I've seen the time when you adored them!"
"What a donkey you are, Alfred," cried Zizi, "to be surprised because tastes change!"
"Well! my tastes never change so far as food is concerned; I love oysters, I shall always care for them."