The Cooper

Oh! yes, that is clear. Do you know Mr. Persil’s garden well?

Yes.

Well, it is not there. But at the end of this garden, go into the house of Madeleine le Hargeux, who showed you the way just a stone’s throw from your late wife’s place, of happy memory; it is there; are you happy?

Yes! except for your reflections, which are impertinent. But let us change the subject: I have a favor to ask of you.

Ha, ha, let us see, what is it about?

It is about clearing out of here immediately.

Who?

You.

Me? come now, you are joking.

No, no, I am not joking, it is for real.

You are laughing while saying that.

And no, I am not laughing; it is for real, I tell you, and... for real.

Well then, our Master, that is settled, I am leaving, we will even settle our accounts another time, if that pleases you: but although we are parting, that does not prevent us from remaining friends, does it?

That is fine, but let it be from a distance.