.

THE MALIGNITY OF PROVINCIAL MINDS.
Like all crafty persons, Goupil, fortunately for Minoret, believed that the proposed marriage with Ursula was only a pretext on the part of the colossus and Zelie for making up with him, now that he was opposing them with Massin.
"It isn't he," thought Goupil, "who has invented this scheme; I know my Zelie,--she taught him his part.

Bah! I'll let Massin go.

In three years time I'll be deputy from Sens." Just then he saw Bongrand on his way to the opposite house for his whist, and he rushed hastily after him.
"You take a great interest in Mademoiselle Mirouet, my dear Monsieur Bongrand," he said.

"I know you will not be indifferent to her future.
Her relations are considering it, and there is the programme; she ought to marry a notary whose practice should be in the chief town of an arrondisement.