BUNERAT. Would you like a brush? There's Mouzon's brush. [A sigh] Ah, good God, when shall I leave Mauleon? I should so like to live at Pau! THE PRESIDENT. Pooh! A much overrated city! Come, come! BUNERAT. I suppose my new duties won't take me there yet? THE PRESIDENT. Don't you worry yourself. In the winter, yes, it's very well -- but the summer -- ah, the summer. BUNERAT. I am not the one appointed? THE PRESIDENT. Ah! You know already? BUNERAT. Yes -- I -- yes -- that is to say, I did n't know it was official. THE PRESIDENT [brushing his hat and catching sight of a dent] Dented already. In these days the hats they sell you for felt, my dear chap, they're paste- board, simply -- BUNERAT. True. Yes, I did n't know it was of- ficial. Monsieur Mouzon is very lucky. Enter Vagret in mufti. THE PRESIDENT. There, there is our dear Monsieur Vagret. Changed your dress already. Yes, you're at home, you. For my part I must pack up all this. Where the devil is the box I put my gown in? [Bu- nerat makes a step to fetch it and then remains motion- less] It's curious -- that -- what have they done with it? In that cupboard -- you have n't seen it, my dear Monsieur Bunerat? BUNERAT. No. THE PRESIDENT. Ah, here it is -- and my jacket in it. [He opens the box and takes out his jacket, which he lays aside on the table] Well, well, you've got them acquitted, my dear Sir! Are you satisfied? VAGRET. I am very glad. THE PRESIDENT. And if they are the murderers? -316- |