I longed for the pleasures of a home and a family.

My dream was to marry, to adore a good wife, by whom I might be loved a little, and to see innocent healthy little ones gambolling about my knees.

But pshaw! when such thoughts entered my heart and forced a tear or two from my eyes, I rebelled against myself.

I said: 'My lad, when you earn but three thousand francs a year, and have an old and cherished father to support, it is your duty to stifle such desires, and remain a bachelor.' And yet I met a young girl.

It is thirty years now since that time; well! just look at me, I am sure I am blushing as red as a tomato.
Her name was Hortense.