Then madame brought Des Hermies the famous leg of mutton to cut.

It was a magnificent red, and large drops flowed beneath the knife.

Everybody ecstasized when tasting this robust meat, aromatic with a puree of turnips sweetened with caper sauce.
Des Hermies bowed under a storm of compliments.

Carhaix filled the glasses, and, somewhat confused in the presence of Gevingey, paid the astrologer effusive attention to make him forget their former ill-feeling.

Des Hermies assisted in this good work, and wishing also to be useful to Durtal, brought the conversation around to the subject of horoscopes.
Then Gevingey mounted the rostrum.