Baroness--Say to succeed him. Heaven doesn't create two such men at the same time.
Marquis--What if I tell you that I have found such another? Yes, Baroness, I've unearthed a wicked, cynical, virulent pen, that spits and splashes; a fellow who would lard his own father with epigrams for a consideration, and who would eat him with salt for five francs more.
Baroness--Déodat had sincere convictions.
Marquis--That's because he fought for them. There are no more mercenaries. The blows they get convince them. I'll give this fellow a week to belong to us body and soul.
Baroness--If you haven't any other proofs of his faithfulness--
Marquis--But I have.
Baroness--Where from?
Marquis--Never mind. I have it.
Baroness--And why do you wait before presenting him?
Marquis--For him in the first place, and then for his consent. He lives in Lyons, and I expect him to-day or to-morrow. As soon as he is presentable, I'll introduce him.