"We did not intend to make ourselves known," said Dubourg; "but, after the flattering attentions with which you have honored us, it is difficult to conceal anything from you. You see in us the two first actors of Cracow, who are taking advantage of a furlough to travel in France and perfect ourselves in the French tongue, in which all our plays are given in Poland; so that our theatre is frequented only by the most distinguished people of the country--like the Bouffons in Paris." "I understand, I understand! and what parts do you play?" "Everything, from pantomime to grand opera. My comrade here, Wolowitz, is the Fleury of Poland, and I make bold to say that I am the Talma. Ah! if you should see us together in _Les Chasseurs et la Laitière_! but you don't give opera here, do you?" "Pardon me: opéra-comique, without music, to be sure, because we have no orchestra as yet; but if you will deign to accede to our prayers, how happy our town will be to see two such artists as you!" "It is true that we are terribly popular in Poland! Why, when we play anywhere, they always throw us something--it never fails.--Do you remember Smolensk, Wolowitz? We had given _Le Déserteur_ and _Le Chien de Montargis_. You played the assassin. I say, do you remember the sensation we produced there?" Wolowitz did not reply, because he had not yet learned his name; but Dubourg kicked him, under the table, and made him raise his head, whereupon he replied, still eating: "Yes, monsieur le baron." "You see, he continues to call me the _baron_," said Dubourg; "he imagines he is still on the stage." Another kick informed Ménard that he had made a blunder, and he muttered in Dubourg's ear: "Tell me your name, then; you can't expect me to guess it." "When people saw on the bill-board: _Boleslas and Wolowitz_," continued Dubourg, with a glance at Ménard, "the theatre was always crowded to suffocation, and we staggered under the wreaths that were thrown to us." "Oh! you'll get some here," said Floridor; "we will throw 'em to you. I've had a dozen made on purpose to have thrown on my actors' heads. You shall have verses too--quatrains; I've got all those things." "You are right; they always have a good effect, they flatter the artist and dazzle the audience." "Ah! Monsieur Boleslas, may I hope that you and your companion will consent to give us a few performances?"