replied
Father Leonard with unshaken good humor. "Catherine has the wherewithal
to attract suitors, and her only difficulty lies in choosing. But come
in; don't lose heart. The woman is worth, a struggle."

And pushing in Germain by the shoulders with boisterous gaiety, he
called to his daughter as they entered the house:

"So, Catherine, here is another!"

This cordial but unmannerly method of introduction to the widow, in
the presence of her other devotees, completed Germain's distress and
embarrassment. He felt the awkwardness of his position, and stood for a
few moments without daring to look upon the beauty and her court.

The Widow Guerin had a good figure and did not lack freshness, but her
expression and her dress displeased Germain the instant he saw her.
She had a bold, self-satisfied look, and her cap, edged with three lace
flounces, her silk apron, and her fichu of fine black lace were little
in accord with the staid and sober widow he had pictured to himself.

Her elaborate dress and forward manners inclined Germain to judge the
widow old and ugly, although she was certainly not either. He thought
that such finery and playful manners might well suit little Marie's
years and wit, but that the widow's fun was labored and over bold, and
that she wore her fine clothes in bad taste.

The three suitors were seated at a table loaded with wines and meats
which were spread out for their use throughout the Sunday morning; for
Father Leonard liked to show off his wealth, and the widow was not sorry
to display her pretty china and keep a table like a rich lady. Germain,
simple and unsuspecting as he was, watched everything with a penetrating
glance, and for the first time in his life he kept on the defensive when
he drank. Father Leonard obliged him to sit down with his rivals, and
taking a chair opposite he treated him with great politeness, and talked
to him rather than to the others.

The present of game, despite the breach Germain had made on his own
account, was still plenteous enough to produce its effect. The widow
did not look unaware of its presence, and the suitors cast disdainful
glances in its direction.

Germain felt ill at ease in this company, and did not eat heartily.
Father Leonard poked fun at him.

"You look very melancholy," said he, "and you are ill-using your glass.
You must not allow love to spoil your appetite, for a fasting lover can
make no such pretty speeches as he whose ideas are