of indifference."

"Be seated," said Mme. Langevin. "I hope that you have had a pleasant
journey?"

"Yes, madame. Only steam seemed too slow for me!"

"I did not know that you were in such a hurry to get here."

"You did not, then, appreciate that I was fairly burning to be with
you?"

"I am glad to hear it; it is a proof that Reason and Family Affection
have made themselves heard at last."

"Was it my fault that family ties did not speak effectually sooner?"

"Well, after all, the main thing is that you have listened to them. 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. A few mutual wrongs, and those smoothed
over by time, ought not to build an insurmountable barrier between us.
May I venture to request the favor of being presented to your mother?"

M. Langevin and his wife opened their eyes in astonishment.

"How, monsieur?" said the husband. "Paris life must have affected your
memory. My poor mother is no more. It is now three years since we lost
her!"

The good Fougas burst into tears.

"Forgive me!" said he; "I d