They played at quatre-sept.

The two Surprenants, uncle and nephew, had Madame Chapdelaine and Maria for partners; after each table and game the beaten couple left the table and gave place to two other players.

Night had fallen; some mosquitos made their way through the open window and went hither and thither with their stings and irritating music.
"Telesphore!" called out Esdras, "see to the smudge, the flies are coming in." In a few minutes smoke pervaded the house again, thick, almost stifling, but greeted with delight.

The party ran its quiet course.

An hour of cards, some talk with a visitor who bears news from the great world, these are still accounted happiness in the Province of Quebec.
Between the games, Lorenzo Surprenant entertained Maria with a description of his life and his journeyings; in turn asking questions about her.