Host. Ay, that I will. The time will soon come when you will be very satisfied with Seine water.
François. Quite so, quite so ... but tonight I would fain ask for wine, and the best wine into the bargain.
[Host goes to the bar.]
Albin. That is really a dreadful fellow.
François. But just think, it's all a joke. And, withal, there are places where you can hear similar things in real earnest.
Albin. Is it not forbidden?
François (laughs). One sees that you come from the provinces.
Albin. Ah! we, too, are having a bad time of it nowadays. The peasants are getting so insolent ... one doesn't know what to do any more....
François. What would you have? The poor devils are hungry—that is the secret.
Albin. How can I help it? How can my great-uncle help it?