But here comes the host with the punch.

What shall the toast be ?" "New France." "My compliments on your good taste." And they bowed gravely to each other, drinking in silence.

The youth renewed his gaze at the fire, this time attracted by the chimney soot as it wavered above the springing flames, now incandescent, now black as jet, now tearing itself from the brick and flying heavenward.
Sometimes the low, fierce music of the storm could be heard in the chimney.

Du Puys, glancing over the lid of his pewter pot, observed the young man kindly.
"Monsieur," he asked, "are you related to the poet De Saumaise ?" The youth lifted his head, disclosing an embarrassed smile.

"Yes, Monsieur.