BRIGNAC. And of the greatest importance. Such style, too. Listen. [_He reads_] ‘Our race is diminishing! Such a state of affairs demands the instant attention of the authorities. The Legislature must strenuously endeavour to devise remedial measures against the disastrous phenomenon now making itself manifest in our midst.’ The Minister of the Interior has done this very well. The end is really fine—quite touching. Listen. ‘Truth will triumph: reason will prevail: the noble sentiment of nationality and the divine spirit of self-sacrifice will bear us on to victory. We who know the splendid recuperative power of our valiant French race look forward with confidence and security to the magnificent moral regeneration of this great and ancient people.’ [_He looks at his wife_]. LUCIE. It’s well written, certainly. BRIGNAC [_continuing to read_] ‘Let each one, in his own sphere of action and influence, work with word and pen to point out the peril and urge the immediate necessity of a remedy. Committees must be formed all over France to evolve schemes and promote measures by which the birth-rate may be raised.’ LUCIE. Does it suggest any scheme? BRIGNAC. Yes. The rest of the circular is full of the ways and means. I shall read it aloud this evening. LUCIE. This evening! BRIGNAC. Yes. [_He goes to the right hand door and calls_] Monsieur Lioret! CLERK [_coming in_] Monsieur le sous-préfet. BRIGNAC. Make me two copies of this circular _yourself_; you will understand its great importance. And bring the original back _yourself_ and place it upon this table. CLERK. Yes, monsieur le sous-préfet. [_He goes out_]. BRIGNAC [_returning to Lucie_] The covering letter from my official superior ends with these words: ‘Have the goodness, M. le sous-préfet, to send me at once a statistical schedule of all committees or associations of this nature at present existing in your district, and let me know what measures you think of taking in response to the desiderata of the Government.’ Well, I shall take advantage of the dinner we give to-night to the members of the Council of Revision to set on foot some associations of the sort, and then I can write up to the authorities, ’There were no associations: _I_ created them’! LUCIE. But is the dinner a suitable— BRIGNAC. Listen to me. This morning there was a Council of Revision at Châteauneuf. LUCIE. Yes. BRIGNAC. The mayor invited the members to luncheon and we have invited them to dinner. LUCIE. Well?