It was a genuine relief for poor Madame Chebe when her husband took an omnibus at the office to go and hunt up Delobelle--whose hours for lounging were always at his disposal--and pour into his bosom all his rancor against his son-in-law and his daughter.
The illustrious Delobelle also bore Risler a grudge, and freely said of him: "He is a dastard." The great man had hoped to form an integral part of the new household, to be the organizer of festivities, the 'arbiter elegantiarum'.

Instead of which, Sidonie received him very coldly, and Risler no longer even took him to the brewery.

However, the actor did not complain too loud, and whenever he met his friend he overwhelmed him with attentions and flattery; for he had need of him.
Weary of awaiting the discerning manager, seeing that the engagement he had longed for so many years did not come, it had occurred to Delobelle to purchase a theatre and manage it himself.

He counted upon Risler for the funds.

Opportunely enough, a small theatre on the boulevard happened to be for sale, as a result of the failure of its manager.