“Richard, I’ve had too much of it!”

“Do you dare to suspect me?”

“Yes, of a silly joke.”

“One doesn’t joke with twenty-thousand francs.”

“That’s what I think,” declared Moncharmin, unfolding a newspaper and ostentatiously studying its contents.

“What are you doing?” asked Richard. “Are you going to read the paper next?”

“Yes, Richard, until I take you home.”

“Like last time?”

“Yes, like last time.”

Richard snatched the paper from Moncharmin’s hands. Moncharmin stood up, more irritated than ever, and found himself faced by an exasperated Richard, who, crossing his arms on his chest, said: