Stranger. Not at all. And now tell me, do you prefer Wagner to Verdi, or Mascagni to Mozart?
Rédacteur. Again I am at a disadvantage. You see I go so seldom to the Opera. The expense is——
Stranger. The expense is inconsiderable when you possess a loge on the grand tier. (Giving paper.) Allow me to present you with a perpetual box.
Rédacteur. Your courtesy is simply charming! But why do you overwhelm me with these obligations? We are unknown to one another.
Stranger (with a bow). Not at all. You are famous. As for me—why I am nothing. I am absolutely valueless.
Rédacteur (politely). You do not do yourself justice. I will be bound you are most valuable.
Stranger. Well, perhaps you are right. At any rate I can fill in a cheque—yes, and with four or five figures! I will show you. Permit me.
[Approaches writing materials, and rapidly completes draft.
Rédacteur. And for whom is that cheque?
Stranger. Read the name to whose order it is made payable.