human
Above all things, serve the dinner promptly, and without interruption,
gpt
Mon Dieu! why are we in such a hurry? said the artist, who had already seated himself at the table and was blowing his nose in his napkin, which he mistook for his handkerchief.
human
For my part, I like to sit a long while at dinner.
gpt
So do I; but I have an assignation for this evening.
human
Well, upon my word! there's Balivan using his napkin for a handkerchief! That's the beginning of his freaks. We shall see some amusing sights, if he goes on.
gpt
My napkin! Faith, that's true! I am always doing that; and the worst of it is that I did it not long ago at a grand dinner, at a banker's house, where there were marquises and deputies. Suddenly I saw that everybody was looking at me with a curious expression. Imagine my confusion, when a very pretty woman, who was sitting beside me, said in a most amiable tone: 'Of course, you are doing that for a wager, monsieur?'--'What, madame?'--'Using your napkin as a handkerchief.'--Then, of course, I realized my blunder; and what do you suppose I did, in my embarrassment? I put the napkin in my pocket! Luckily, everybody began to laugh, for they saw how absent-minded I was.
human
Meanwhile, said Mouillot,
gpt
I request as a favor that I may not be seated next to Balivan, because absent-minded people are very unpleasant neighbors at table.--You ask him to pass the olives, and he'll pour water in your wine. If you want bread, he'll pass you the pepper. It's a constant succession of disappointments.
human
Have you ever been magnetized?
gpt
Oh! go to the devil with your magnetism! As if I took any stock in it!
human
Take any stock in it! Why, my dear fellow, don't you know that the power of magnetism is absolutely proved? that the most distinguished people are the most fervent adepts of Mesmer? that ladies of the highest social position go to the magnetizers now to be put to sleep, as they used to go to be mesmerized?
gpt
Parbleu! that's a convincing authority to appeal to! Women--who adore anything that promises a novel kind of sensation, and who seek pleasure instead of truth.
human
But I'll wager, Balivan, that I can put you to sleep, incredulous as you are!
gpt
Put me to sleep! That is very possible; but it would be much harder to wake me.
human
I say, messieurs, aren't you ready to stop talking magnetism? cried Mouillot;
gpt
I supposed that we dined together to enjoy ourselves. For heaven's sake, Dupétrain, don't put us to sleep yet! Later, if you choose.--To the table, my friends!