"That? What?" asked Monsieur Dalize.
"Why, what asphyxia is," answered Miette.
"Ah, my friend," said Monsieur Dalize, turning to Roger, "I will leave the word to you."
"Very well," answered Monsieur Roger. "Asphyxia is,—it is——"
And as Monsieur Roger was seeking for some easy words in which to explain himself, Miette cried out, with a laugh,—
"Perhaps you don't know yourself,—you who know everything?"
"Yes, I know it," answered Monsieur Roger, with a smile; "but, in order to tell you, I must first explain to you what is the formation of the blood, and tell you something of oxygen and carbonic acid, and——"
"Well, tell us," cried Miette, "if you think it will interest us.—It will, won't it, Paul?"
Paul bent his head.
Monsieur Roger saw this gesture, and replied,—