Buttrebeurrousse summoned a garçon and ordered a tuna casserole for three. "Though personally, I'm more interested in the wine," he added. "Especially since I'm attempting a new diet - but I get no thinner."
"Drink, then," said Sacqueville-Danglars. "Pippand and I will bavarder a bit while you do so."
Buttrebeurrousse needed no encouragement, and drained several glasses in honor of Gamgès, Rosédès, and his entire circle of acquaintances, along with whatever other objets de toast struck his fancy. Before long, he was cheerfully singing songs about Thomas de Bombeville, the legendary couturier who started a fashion in yellow boots.
Meanwhile, Sacqueville-Danglars spoke to Pippand. "If I were you, mon ami," he said, "I would put up a bit more of a fight before letting this Gamgès take my woman to the altar. The Toucs are said to be a race that avenge themselves well."
"It is useless," said Pippand. "What can I do?"
"You can prevent the wedding," said Sacqueville-Danglars. "It will be hard for Gamgès to marry Rosédès if he is dead."
"I like Samouard!" said Buttrebeurrousse, who felt more friendly towards the mariner after a few drinks. "He helps me with my potatoes and even cooked me a wonderful bouillabaisse once."
