"I will say when you get over your gout."
"No, don't mention my gout, that isn't necessary. Say to her that I am indisposed; that is all, do you understand?"
"Yes, bourgeois, never fear; it will all go as if it was on wheels; and shall I come back and tell you what answer the lady gives me?"
"Naturally."
"I am off. By the way, bourgeois, perhaps you don't know, but no doubt you will soon receive a visit from a friend of yours; that happens just right; you are sick and it will amuse you."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that yesterday, no longer ago than that, I saw my old comrade Georget, a good fellow, who's in the dumps all the time because he's in love. But that's another story; it would take too long to tell you."
"I will excuse you from telling it, but come to the point at once."
"Well, while we were talking, I mentioned your name; it happens that his master at Nogent knows you and would like to see you; he didn't know your address, so I gave it to Georget."
"What is the name of this gentleman at Nogent?"