As for Cinq-Cygne, it can safely be left to the management of Monsieur d'Hauteserre, and you can draw lots as to which of you shall win the hand of this dear heiress--But ah! I know the words of an old man in the ears of the young are like the words of the young in the ears of the old, a sound without meaning." The old marquis signed to his three relatives that he wished no answer, and returned to the salon, where, during their absence, the abbe and his sister had arrived.
The proposal to draw lots for their cousin's hand had offended the brothers, while Laurence revolted in her soul at the bitterness of the remedy the old marquis counselled.

All three were now less gracious to him, though they did not cease to be polite.

The warmth of their feeling was chilled.

Monsieur de Chargeboeuf, who felt the change, cast frequent looks of kindly compassion on these charming young people.
The conversation became general, but the old marquis still dwelt on the necessity of submitting to events, and he applauded Monsieur d'Hauteserre for his persistence in urging his sons to take service under the Empire.
"Bonaparte," he said, "makes dukes.

He has created Imperial fiefs, he will therefore make counts.