For the people of France this shame is reserved exclusively, and it is your Paris that has brought it upon us.

Paris, absorbing all the blood, life, thought, and action of the country, has left a mere geographical skeleton in place of a nation! These are the benefits of your centralization, since you have pronounced that word, which is quite as barbarous as the thing itself." "But pardon me, uncle," said Madame de Tecle, quietly plying her needle, "I know nothing of these matters, but it seems to me that I have heard you say this centralization was the work of the Revolution and of the First Consul.

Why, therefore, do you call Monsieur de Camors to account for it?
That certainly does not seem to me just." "Nor does it seem so to me," said Camors, bowing to Madame de Tecle.
"Nor to me either," rejoined M.des Rameures, smiling.
"However, Madame," resumed Camors, "I may to some extent be held responsible in this matter, for though, as you justly suggest, I have not brought about this centralization, yet I confess I strongly approve the course of those who did." "Bravo! So much the better, Monsieur.

I like that.

One should have his own positive opinions, and defend them." "Monsieur," said Camors, "I shall make an exception in your honor, for when I dine out, and especially when I dine well, I always have the same opinion with my host; but I respect you too highly not to dare to differ with you.