The next morning, the two men discuss the previous night's events. Mr. Dupuis complains that he has not been able to sleep with the president because he does not have enough money to pay him. He also complains about the fact that he is being asked to work until he dies. The two men try to calm each other down, but they are interrupted by the sound of a gong. The gong is a symbol of the death of a loved one, and the men are afraid that the gong will signal the end of their relationship