"Why did not Aunt Marie announce you ?...

It is indeed remiss of her, but she is so ill-tempered on baking days I dare not even rebuke her.

Won't you sit down, citizen Heron?
And you, cousin," she added, looking down airily on Armand, "I pray you maintain no longer that foolish attitude." The febrileness of her manner, the glow in her cheeks were easily attributable to natural shyness in face of this unexpected visit.

Heron, completely bewildered by this little scene, which was so unlike what he expected, and so unlike those to which he was accustomed in the exercise of his horrible duties, was practically speechless before the little lady who continued to prattle along in a simple, unaffected manner.
"Cousin," she said to Armand, who in the meanwhile had risen to his knees, "this is citizen Heron, of whom you have heard me speak.

My cousin Belhomme," she continued, once more turning to Heron, "is fresh from the country, citizen.