ange of heavy country witticisms, or relating noisy and interminable
stories of their hunting adventures. Their conversation was very trying
to Julien's nerves. Nevertheless, he endeavored to fulfil his duties as
master of the house, throwing in a word now and then, so as to appear
interested in their gossip, but he ate hardly a mouthful. His features
had a pinched expression, and every now and then he caught himself
trying to smother a yawn. His companions at the table could not
understand a young man of twenty-eight years who drank nothing but
water, scorned all enjoyment in eating, and only laughed forcedly under
compulsion. At last, disturbed by the continued taciturnity of their
host, they rose from the table sooner than their wont, and prepared to
take leave. Before their departure, Arbillot the notary, passed his arm
familiarly through that of Julien and led him into an adjoining room,
which served as billiard-hall and library.

"Monsieur de Buxieres," said he, pointing to a pile of law papers heaped
upon the green cloth of the table; "see what I have prepared for you;
you will find there all the titles and papers relating to the
real estate, pictures, current notes, and various matters of your
inheritance. You had better keep them under lock and key, and study
them at your leisure. You will find them very interesting. I need hardly
say," he added, "that I am at your service for any necessary advice
or explanation. But, in respect to any minor details, you can apply to
Claudet Sejournant, who is very intelligent in such matters, and a good
man of business. And, by the way, Monsieur de Buxieres, will you allow
me to commend the young man especially to your kindly consideration."

But Julien interrupted him with an imperious gesture, and replied,
frowning angrily:

"If you please, Maitre Arbillot, we will not enter upon that subject.
I have already tried my best to show a kindly feeling toward Monsieur
Claudet, but I have been only here twenty-four hours, and he has already
found opportunities for affronting me twice. I beg you not to speak of
him again."

The notary, who was just lighting his pipe, stopped suddenly. Moved by a
feeling of good-fellowship for the 'grand chasserot', who had, however,
enjoined him to silence, he had it on the tip of his tongue to inform
Julien of the facts concerning the parentage of Claudet de Buxieres;
but, however much he wished to render Claudet a service, he was still
more de