So, in spite of the wise counsel given to them, they fell into the pitfall, which others, like old d'Hauteserre, more prudent and more amenable to reason, would have been able to avoid.

If men were frank they might perhaps admit that misfortunes never overtake them until after they have received either an actual or an occult warning.

Many do not perceive the deep meaning of such visible or invisible signs until after the disaster is upon them.
"In any case, Madame la comtesse knows that I cannot leave the country until I have given up a certain trust," said Michu in a low voice to Mademoiselle de Cinq-Cygne.
For all answer she made him a sign of acquiescence, and he left the room..