I sympathized with her sorrow; but her tears were endless, and I found her emotion disproportionate.
"Come now," I said, "after all, a bird's only a bird, a mere point that moved a little in a corner of the room.

What then?
What about the thousands of birds that die, and the people that die, and the poor ?" But she shook her head, insisted on grieving, tried to prove to me that it was momentous and that she was right.
For a moment I stood bewildered by this want of understanding; this difference between her way of feeling and mine.

It was a disagreeable revelation of the unknown.

One might often, in regard to small matters, make a multitude of reflections if one wished; but one does not wish.
* * * * * * My position at the factory and in our quarter is becoming gradually stronger.

By reason of a regular gratuity which I received, we are at last able to put money aside each month, like everybody.
"I say!" cried Crillon, pulling me outside with him, as I was coming in one evening; "I must let you know that you've been spoken of spontanially for the Town Council at the next renewment.