"Poor old fellow," murmured Fougas, "you little think what you owe to me!" They dine boisterously at village weddings.

This is an abuse which, I sincerely hope, Civilization will never reform.

Under cover of the noise, Fougas entered into conversation, or thought he did, with his left-hand neighbor.

"Clementine!" he said to her.

She raised her eyes, and her nose too, and responded: "Yes, monsieur." "My heart has not deceived me, then ?--you are indeed my Clementine!" "Yes, monsieur." "And you have recognized me, noble and excellent woman!" "Yes, monsieur." "But how did you conceal your emotion so well ?---- How strong women are!---- I fall from the skies into the midst of your peaceful existence, and you see me without moving a muscle!" "Yes, monsieur." "Have you forgiven me for a seeming injury for which Destiny alone is responsible ?" "Yes, monsieur." "Thanks! A thousand thanks!---- What a charming family you have about you! This good Pierre, who almost opened his arms on seeing me approach, is my son, is he not ?" "Yes, monsieur." "Rejoice! He shall be rich! He already has happiness; I bring him fortune.