An English writer would not dare to make a maxim, involving, perhaps, in two lines, one of the most important of moral truths, without bringing pages to support his dictum.
A French essayist leaves it wholly to itself.

He tells you neither how he came by his reasons, nor their conclusion, 'le plus fou souvent est le plus satisfait.' Consequently, if less tedious than the English, your reasoners are more dangerous, and ought rather to be considered as models of terseness than of reflection.

A man might learn to think sooner from your writers, but he will learn to think justly sooner from ours.

Many observations of La Bruyere and Rochefoucault--the latter especially--have obtained credit for truth solely from their point.
They possess exactly the same merit as the very sensible--permit me to add--very French line in Corneille:-- "'Ma plus douce esperance est de perdre l'espoir.'" The Maquis took advantage of the silence which followed Vincent's criticism to rise from table.

We all (except Vincent, who took leave) adjourned to the salon.