He had no subtleties, good soul that he was.
M.de Vilmorin deplored an appointment that prevented him doing himself the honour.

He was very stiff and formal.
"And you, Andre ?" "I?
Oh, I share the appointment, godfather," he lied, "and I have a superstition against toasts." He had no wish to remain.

He was angry with Aline for her smiling reception of M.de La Tour d'Azyr and the sordid bargain he saw her set on making.

He was suffering from the loss of an illusion..