We will exert ourselves to prevent your finding Nancy uninteresting." "How could I, since I am to live with you ?" "Thank you! Our house will be yours.

Try to imagine yourself entirely at home." "In imagination, and affection too, madame." "And you'll not think of Paris again ?" "Paris!---- I don't care any more for it than I do for doomsday!" "I forewarn you that people are not in the habit of fighting duels here." "What?
You know already----" "We know all about it, even to the history of that famous supper with those rather volatile ladies." "How the devil did you hear of that?
But that time, believe me, I was very excusable." M.Langevin here made his appearance, freshly shaven and rubicund--a fine specimen of the sub-prefect in embryo.
"It's wonderful," thought Fougas, "how well all our family bear their years! One wouldn't call that chap over thirty-five, and he's forty-six if he's a day.

He doesn't look a bit like me, by the way; he takes after his mother!" "My dear!" said Mme.

Langevin, "here's a tough subject, who promises to be wiser in future." "You are welcome, young man!" said the Counsellor, offering his hand to Fougas.
This reception appeared cold to our poor hero.

He had been dreaming of a shower of kisses and tears, and here his children contented themselves with offering their hands.
"My chi---- monsieur," said he to Langevin, "there is one person still needed to complete our reunion.