She was too content with her lot to have the slightest inclination to change it; therefore she was in no hurry to marry.

She had completed twenty-four years of her existence, had refused several desirable offers, and wished nothing better than to retain her maidenhood.

It was the sole article concerning which this heiress had discussions with those around her.

When her father took it into his head to grow angry and cry, "You must!" she would burst out laughing; whereupon he would laugh also, and say: "I'm not the master here; in fact, I am placed in the position of a ploughman arguing with a priest." It is very dangerous to tax one's brains too much when one dines out frequently.

During the winter of 1875, M.Moriaz had undertaken an excess of work; he was overdriven, and his health suffered.