Macaire. My friend is an author: so, in a humbler way, am I. Your knowledge of the criminal classes naturally tempts one to pursue so interesting an acquaintance.
Brigadier. Justice is impartial. Gentlemen, your health.
Macaire. Will not these brave fellows join us?
Brigadier. They are on duty; but what matters?
Macaire. My dear sir, what is duty? duty is my eye.
Brigadier (solemnly). And Betty Martin. (Gendarmes sit at table.)
Macaire (to Bertrand). Dear friend, sit down.
Bertrand (sitting down). O Lord!
Brigadier (to Macaire). You seem to be a gentleman of considerable intelligence.
Macaire. I fear, sir, you flatter. One has lived, one has loved, and one remembers: that is all. One’s “Lives of Celebrated Criminals” has met with a certain success, and one is ever in quest of fresh material.