If not, you will wound me seriously." Camors rose, took the General's hand, and pressing it with emotion, said, briefly: "I accept, sir.

I thank you!" The General sprang up at these words like a furious lion, his moustache bristling, his nostrils dilating, his chest heaving.

Staring at the young Count with real ferocity, he suddenly drew him to his breast and embraced him with great fervor.

Then he strode to the door with his usual solemnity, and quickly brushing a tear from his cheek, left the room.
The General was a good man; but, like many good people, he had not been happy.

You might smile at his oddities: you never could reproach him with vices.
He was a small man, but he had a great soul.