Valsin [getting up and patting him reassuringly on the back]. The lady perceives her effect, my Dossonville. It is no novelty. Sit down, my Dossonville. [The still murmurous Dossonville obeys Valsin turns to Eloise, a brilliant light in his eyes.] Let me greet one of the nieces of Widow Balsage—evidently not the sleepy one, and certainly not ill. Health so transcendent—
Eloise [placing her hand upon Madame de Laseyne's shoulder]. This is a clown, Anne. You need have no fear of him whatever. His petty authority does not extend to us.
Valsin [deferentially]. Will the niece of Widow Balsage explain why it does not?
Eloise [turning upon him fiercely]. Because the patriot Citizeness Eloise d'Anville is here!
Valsin [assuming an air of thoughtfulness]. Yes, she is here. That "permit" yonder even mentions her by name. It is curious. I shall have to go into that. Continue, niece.
Eloise [with supreme haughtiness]. This lady is under her protection.
Valsin [growing red]. Pardon. Under whose protection?
Eloise [sulphurously]. Under the protection of Eloise d'Anville! [This has a frightful effect upon Valsin; his face becomes contorted; he clutches at his throat, apparently half strangled, staggers, and falls choking into the easy-chair he has formerly occupied.]
Valsin [gasping, coughing, incoherent]. Under the pro—the protection—[He explodes into peal after peal of uproarious laughter.] The protection of—Aha, ha, ha, ho, ho, ho! [He rocks himself back and forth unappeasably.]
Eloise [with a slight lift of the eyebrows]. This man is an idiot.