He was much attached to his sister and came to keep her company on the days when she received, for the old circle had gradually dwindled down till now only a few faithful ones ventured into that grey gloomy _salon_, where one might have fancied oneself at thousands of leagues from present-day Paris.

And forthwith, in order to enliven the room, he related that he had been to _dejeuner_ at the Duvillards, and named the guests, Gerard among them.

He knew that he pleased his sister by going to the banker's house whence he brought her news, a house, too, which he cleansed in some degree by conferring on it the great honour of his presence.

And he himself in no wise felt bored there, for he had long been gained over to the century and showed himself of a very accommodating disposition in everything that did not pertain to military art.
"That poor little Camille worships Gerard," said he; "she was devouring him with her eyes at table." But M.de Morigny gravely intervened: "There lies the danger, a marriage would be absolutely monstrous from every point of view." The General seemed astonished: "Why, pray?
She isn't beautiful, but it's not only the beauties who marry! And there are her millions.

However, our dear child would only have to put them to a good use.