human
Don't be alarmed; he won't marry you. I am a friend of Lucien!
gpt
What's the matter?
human
Nothing! Dodichet replied;
gpt
Oh, no! monsieur, you didn't hurt me.
human
Then all is for the best, as Voltaire says in _Candide_. But is it in _Candide_? Faith! I am not sure; I have read so much in my life that I am all mixed up; I confuse my authors. Somebody asked me lately who wrote _Le Mariage de Figaro_, and I said Monsieur d'Ennery. I was wrong.
gpt
My friend Brid'oison here bears the name of one of the characters in that play,
human
Ah! monsieur's name is Brid'oison? A fine name! a pretty name! which recalls a very--intellectual character.
gpt
I try to be worthy of my name,
human
You are quite capable of it, monsieur. Do you stutter?
gpt
No, indeed.
human
That's a pity; but it may come in time.
gpt
And this is my son Artaban, who is already very strong in gymnastics.
human
Is that so? Well, I am not surprised; the little fellow has Hercules written all over his face.
gpt
Do you think so?
human
Do you hear? you resemble Hercules!
gpt
In what way, papa?
human
I don't know, but in some way.