I have
but one word to say in that connection. My servants have all been
dismissed. My wife and daughter are in despair; they want to see you
to have an explanation. In all this, my cousin, there is one innocent
person, and he is an old judge; you will not punish me, will you, for
the escapade of a thoughtless child who wished to dine with the
Popinots? especially when I come to beg for peace, admitting that all
the wrong has been on our side? . . . An old friendship of thirty-six
years, even suppose that there had been a misunderstanding, has still
some claims. Come, sign a treaty of peace by dining with us
to-night--"
Pons involved himself in a diffuse reply, and ended by informing his
cousin that he was to sign a marriage contract that evening; how that
one of the orchestra was not only going to be married, but also about
to fling his flute to the winds to become a banker.
"Very well. To-morrow."
"Mme. la Comtesse Popinot has done me the honor of asking me, cousin.
She was so kind as to write--"
"The day after to-morrow then."
"M. Brunner, a German, my first flute's future partner, returns the
compliment paid him to-day by the young couple--"
"You are such pleasant company that it is not surprising that people
dispute for the honor of seeing you. Very well, next Sunday? Within a
week, as we say at the courts?"
"On Sunday we are to dine with M. Graff, the flute's father-in-law."
"Very well, on Saturday. Between now and then you will have time to
reassure a little girl who has shed tears already over her fault.
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