"Nothing would please me better," exclaimed Balmer. "I am as hungry as a dog."
"That is a good sign for a sick man," remarked Puymirol.
"By no means. What, can it be that you, a medical man, are ignorant of the fact that consumptives eat like ogres?"
"That is all bosh; besides, you are no more a consumptive than I am."
"I haven't more than two years to live, as I know perfectly well. If you wish to satisfy yourself on the point, you only have to examine my lungs."
"No, no," cried Blanche. "This is no hospital, and you disgust me with your medical talk. To table, gentlemen! I will sit opposite Dargental. He isn't here, but I will imagine that he is. Caumont may take a seat on my right, and Puymirol on my left. And now let us partake of the funereal repast."
"Funereal is the very word," said Adhémar. "The invitations we received had mourning borders."
"And the bill of fare also," chimed in George.
"Pierre made a great mistake," remarked Blanche; "such jokes always bring bad luck."
"The fact that he hasn't come is sufficient proof of that. I wonder if he has broken a leg."
"No, indeed! Dargental is too lucky to meet with any such accident. His noble betrothed must have got wind of this breakfast, and have forbidden him to attend it."
"In that case, he would, at least, have warned you."
"Do you regret his absence?" asked Blanche, with a glance at Puymirol.
"Nonsense! you always will be a provincial. Confine your attention to these oysters. They are delicious, and this Sauterne is of the best quality."
This preliminary chat was soon interrupted by the lively clatter of knives and forks, and the tinkling of glasses. All the gentlemen of the party ate and drank heartily, but Blanche, despite her commendatory words, did not seem inclined to finish her oysters, and only just moistened her lips in the Château Yquem. "What is the matter with you, Blanche?" cried Balmer, between two mouthfuls. "I have seen you eat with a much better appetite. Is Pierre's marriage the cause of this falling off? You must have been expecting it for several months, however."
"I was so well prepared for it that I myself urged him to take the step. And as for being angry, that can hardly be, as I came expressly to lunch with him. He no longer cares for me; well, no matter, I can only rely on his wife to avenge me. She has already given conclusive proofs of her ability in that direction."