"That is an exploit that can be performed only by well people." "It is no exploit," replied Samuel; "it is a work of patience, easy for those who are not subject to vertigo." "You are too modest," rejoined the young man.

"Had I done as much, I would sound a trumpet." "Have you attempted the ascent ?" asked Samuel.
"Not at all.

I do not care about having feats of prowess to relate," he replied, in an almost challenging tone.
Mme.

de Lorcy hastened to interrupt the conversation by saying, "Is this the first time you have been in Paris, monsieur ?" "Yes, madame," replied Samuel, who withdrew more and more into his shell.
"And does Paris please you as much as a pine-grove ?" "Much more, madame." "Have you any acquaintances ?" "None; and the truth is, I have no desire to make any." "Why ?" "Shall I tell you my reason?
I am not fond of breaking ice, and Poles complain that there is nothing in the world so icy as Parisian coldness." "That explains itself," cried Camille.

"Paris, that is Paris proper, is a small city of a hundred thousand souls, and this small city is invaded more and more, by strangers who come here to seek pleasure or fortune.
It is but natural that Paris should protect itself." "Parisians pride themselves on their penetration," replied Samuel.
"It does not require much of it to distinguish an honest man from an adventurer." "Ah! permit me," returned M.Langis, "that depends a good deal on practice.