Host. Not worth speaking about, M. le Commissaire.
Commissaire. Your troupe split up.
Host. And my legacy as well.
Commissaire (smiling). Very well! (Both smile. Suddenly serious.) You started a tavern.
Host. That fared wretchedly.
Commissaire. After which you had an idea that, which, as one must admit, possesses a certain quantum of originality.
Host. You make me quite proud, sir.
Commissaire. You gathered your troupe together again, and have a comedy played here which is of a peculiar and by no means harmless character.
Host. If it were harmful, M. le Commissaire, I should not have my audience—the most aristocratic audience in Paris, I'm in a position to say. The Vicomte de Nogeant is my daily customer. The Marquis de Lansac often comes, and the Duc de Cadignan, M. le Commissaire, is the most enthusiastic admirer of my leading actor, the celebrated Henri Baston.
Commissaire. As well as of the art or arts of your actresses.