Poitiers is a quaint old town, with dilapidated pavements and tall, gloomy houses, the architecture of which dates from the tenth century; but Norbert thought that it must be one of the most magnificent cities in the world.

It was market day when they drove in, and he was absolutely stupefied with surprise and excitement.

He had never believed there could be so many people in one place, and hardly noticed that the cart had pulled up opposite a lawyer's office.

His father shook him roughly by the shoulder.
"Come, Norbert, lad, we are there," said he.
The young man jumped to the ground, and assisted mechanically to remove the sacks.

The servile manner of the lawyer did not strike him, nor did he listen to the conversation between him and his father.