"It is very kind of you to make such an offer," he said.

"If I am not mistaken, your occupations are such as to make your time precious.

You are in--a--as we say, dans les affaires." "In business, you mean?
Oh no, I have thrown business overboard for the present.

I am 'loafing,' as WE say.

My time is quite my own." "Ah, you are taking a holiday," rejoined M.de Bellegarde.