"Jacques is unable to do so." "Impossible! I am sure you have not the strength for it," said we all.
"Never fear," said she, stoutly.
"No, no; it must not be," said I.
"And you, my son ?" "I will undertake for him," said La Croissette, who, it now appeared, had been listening behind the doorway all this time.
"Who are you, my man ?" said M.Bourdinave, in surprise and some distrust.
"An honest fellow, though I say it that shouldn't," was his answer.
"I am one of those who deal in deeds more than words.

I cannot patter Ave Marias with a Catholic, nor sing interminable psalms like a Huguenot, but neither can I endure the ways the Catholics are taking to compel the Huguenots to submission.

I take my own way, d'ye see, and am fettered by nobody.

No one would molest La Croissette the needle-seller, not even a dragoon.

And I have learnt to esteem you all; I admire the young ladies, and respect the old lady and gentleman.