Madame Colleville's elegance was on a par with that of Tullia, the leading prima-donna, with whom she was intimate; but though the Collevilles encroached on their capital and were often in difficulty by the end of the month, Flavie was never in debt.
Colleville was very happy; he still loved his wife, and he made himself her best friend.

Always received by her with affectionate smiles and sympathetic pleasure, he yielded readily to the irresistible grace of her manners.

The vehement activity with which he pursued his three avocations was a part of his natural character and temperament.

He was a fine stout man, ruddy, jovial, extravagant, and full of ideas.

In ten years there was never a quarrel in his household.