I do not ask so much as that. All I desire is a few witty fellows, some charming women, and by no means a crowd.
You talk nonsense; you cannot pick and choose.
No, truly, you cannot sift and strain the flow of idiocy that you meet in the drawing-rooms of to-day.
What a pity! How I should love the intimacy of a small and carefully selected circle of men and women.
Ha, ha, ha! What a charming little intimate circle you would bring to me! Ha, ha, ha! The fascinating men, and the fashionable women that you would invite! My dear sir, it is I who would leave the house then.
My dear girl, I only asked for three or four women like yourself.
If you need four, I can understand how you found your house lonesome.
You understand very well what I wish to say, and it is not necessary for me to explain myself. And you know that you need only be alone to please me better than I could possibly be pleased elsewhere.
Really, I do not recognize you. I am afraid you must be ill--very ill. You are not going to die, are you?
Oh, chaff me as much as you like, you won't worry me.
M. DE SALLUS [_turns to_ Jacques de Randol]
My dear Randol, will you give us the pleasure of your company at dinner to-night? You may help me to turn aside the epigrams that my wife seems to have barbed and ready for me.
A thousand thanks, my dear Sallus! You are very, very good, but unfortunately, I am not free.
Yes, well--not altogether. I have an appointment at nine o'clock.
Oh, I am discreet! But that need not prevent you from dining with us.
Why ask me? You know that I have no influence over him.
You are charming enough to influence the world this evening, so why can't you make him stay?
Good gracious! I cannot make my friends stay in order to please you, and keep them in your house against their wish. Bring _your_ friends.
Well, I shall remain at home this evening in any case, and we shall then be _tête-à-tête_.
Good gracious! How you surprise me--and how you honor me!
What a charming mood you are in to-night!
My dear sir, Monsieur de Randol will do as he pleases. He knows that I am always glad to see him. [_Rises, and after reflecting for a second_.] Will you dine with us, Monsieur de Randol? You know you can go directly after dinner.