The dinner, at which Lousteau, one of the court judges, and the Mayor of Issoudun were present, was splendid.

It was one of those provincial dinners lasting five hours.

The most exquisite wines enlivened the conversation.

By nine o'clock, at dessert, the painter, seated opposite to his uncle, and between Flore and Max, had fraternized with the soldier, and thought him the best fellow on earth.

Joseph returned home at eleven o'clock somewhat tipsy.