It gratifies me that our old house was the first to rise after the calamity; when the town had come to an end, it inaugurated the hamlet.' 'I, too, am glad of that,' said Jean-Marie.
'It should be the temple of the humbler virtues,' responded the Doctor with a savoury gusto.

'Perhaps one of the reasons why I love my little hamlet as I do, is that we have a similar history, she and I.

Have I told you that I was once rich ?' 'I do not think so,' answered Jean-Marie.

'I do not think I should have forgotten.

I am sorry you should have lost your fortune.' 'Sorry ?' cried the Doctor.