I cannot think it the finest thing in the world for all of us that Marie Bromar should succeed in getting a rich young man for her husband, who, as far as I can see, never had two ideas in his head.' 'He is a most industrious young man, who thoroughly understands his business.

I have heard people say that there is no one comes to Granpere who can buy better than he can.' 'Very likely not.' 'And at any rate, it is no disgrace to be well off.' 'It is a disgrace to think more about that than anything else.

But never mind.

It is no use talking about it, words won't mend it.' 'Why then have you come here now ?' 'Because I want to see my father.' Then he remembered how false was this excuse; and remembered also how soon its falseness would appear.

'Besides, though I do not like this match, I wish to see Marie once again before her marriage.