wyer, a mixture of servility with familiarity. Accustomed to feign
much interest in the persons with whom they deal, notaries have at last
produced upon their features a grimace of their own, which they take
on and off as an official "pallium." This mask of benevolence, the
mechanism of which is so easy to perceive, irritated Bartolomeo to such
an extent that he was forced to collect all the powers of his reason
to prevent him from throwing Monsieur Roguin through the window. An
expression of anger ran through his wrinkles, which caused the notary to
think to himself: "I've produced an effect."

"But," he continued, in a honeyed tone, "Monsieur le baron, on such
occasions our duties are preceded by--efforts at--conciliation--Deign,
therefore, to have the goodness to listen to me--It is in evidence that
Mademoiselle Ginevra di Piombo--attains this very day--the age at which
the law allows a respectful summons before proceeding to the celebration
of a marriage--in spite of the non-consent of the parents. Now--it is
usual in families--who enjoy a certain consideration--who belong to
society--who preserve some dignity--to whom, in short, it is desirable
not to let the public into the secret of their differences--and who,
moreover, do not wish to injure themselves by blasting with reprobation
the future of a young couple (for--that is injuring themselves), it
is usual, I say--among these honorable families--not to allow these
summonses--to take place--or remain--a monument to--divisions which
should end--by ceasing--Whenever, monsieur, a young lady has recourse to
respectful summons, she exhibits a determination too marked to allow
of a father--of a mother," here he turned to the baroness, "hoping or
expecting that she will follow their wishes--Paternal resistance being
null--by reason of this fact--in the first place--and also from its
being nullified by law, it is customary--for every sensible man--after
making a final remonstrance to his child--and before she proceeds to the
respectful summons--to leave her at liberty to--"

Monsieur Roguin stopped, perceiving that he might talk on for two hours
without obtaining any answer; he felt, moreover, a singular emotion at
the aspect of the man he was attempting to convert. An extraordinary
revolution had taken place on Piombo's face; his wrinkles, contracting
into narrow lines, gave him a look of indescribable cruelty, and he
cast upon the notary the glance of a tiger. The baron