Bergeret's modest evening meal, where he is joined by Riquet, who holds his master in high regard. While M. Bergeret grapples with outdated social norms regarding meal etiquette, the scene also reveals his reflective nature as he contemplates the tradition of who should carve the chicken. The arrival of his sister Zoé and daughter Pauline marks a shift in the domestic atmosphere, bringing laughter, banter, and the energy of youth, which contrasts sharply with Bergeret’s quieter demeanor. As Riquet expresses his unease with the sudden intrusion of new figures in their home, these initial interactions set the stage for themes of change, belonging, and the introspection of a man facing the shifting tides of life in Paris. (This is an automatically generated summary.)