The Illustrious Gaudissart [20]
so," said Gaudissart, "why shouldn't we all breakfast together? Men who fight are always the ones to come to a good understanding."
"Monsieur Mitouflet," said Gaudissart on his return to the inn, "of course you have got a sheriff's officer here?"
"What for?"
"I want to send a summons to my good friend Margaritis to deliver the two casks of wine."
"But he has not got them," said Vernier.
"No matter for that; the affair can be arranged by the payment of an indemnity. I won't have it said that Vouvray outwitted the illustrious Gaudissart."
Madame Margaritis, alarmed at the prospect of a suit in which the plaintiff would certainly win his case, brought thirty francs to the placable traveller, who thereupon considered himself quits with the happiest region of sunny France,--a region which is also, we must add, the most recalcitrant to new and progressive ideas.
On returning from his trip through the southern departments, the illustrious Gaudissart occupied the coupe of a diligence, where he met a young man to whom, as they journeyed between Angouleme and Paris, he deigned to explain the enigmas of life, taking him, apparently, for an infant.
As they passed Vouvray the young man exclaimed, "What a fine site!"
"Yes, Monsieur," said Gaudissart, "but not habitable on account of the people. You get into duels every day. Why, it is not three months since I fought one just there," pointing to the bridge of La Cise, "with a damned dyer; but I made an end of him,--he bit the dust!"
ADDENDUM
The following personages appear in other stories of the Human Comedy.
Finot, Andoche Cesar Birotteau A Bachelor's Establishment A Distinguished Provincial at Paris Scenes from a Courtesan's Life The Government Clerks A Start in Life The Firm of Nucingen
Gaudissart, Felix Scenes from a Courtesan's Life Cousin Pons Cesar Birotteau Honorine
Popinot, Anselme Cesar Birotteau Cousin Pons Cousin Betty
End
"Monsieur Mitouflet," said Gaudissart on his return to the inn, "of course you have got a sheriff's officer here?"
"What for?"
"I want to send a summons to my good friend Margaritis to deliver the two casks of wine."
"But he has not got them," said Vernier.
"No matter for that; the affair can be arranged by the payment of an indemnity. I won't have it said that Vouvray outwitted the illustrious Gaudissart."
Madame Margaritis, alarmed at the prospect of a suit in which the plaintiff would certainly win his case, brought thirty francs to the placable traveller, who thereupon considered himself quits with the happiest region of sunny France,--a region which is also, we must add, the most recalcitrant to new and progressive ideas.
On returning from his trip through the southern departments, the illustrious Gaudissart occupied the coupe of a diligence, where he met a young man to whom, as they journeyed between Angouleme and Paris, he deigned to explain the enigmas of life, taking him, apparently, for an infant.
As they passed Vouvray the young man exclaimed, "What a fine site!"
"Yes, Monsieur," said Gaudissart, "but not habitable on account of the people. You get into duels every day. Why, it is not three months since I fought one just there," pointing to the bridge of La Cise, "with a damned dyer; but I made an end of him,--he bit the dust!"
ADDENDUM
The following personages appear in other stories of the Human Comedy.
Finot, Andoche Cesar Birotteau A Bachelor's Establishment A Distinguished Provincial at Paris Scenes from a Courtesan's Life The Government Clerks A Start in Life The Firm of Nucingen
Gaudissart, Felix Scenes from a Courtesan's Life Cousin Pons Cesar Birotteau Honorine
Popinot, Anselme Cesar Birotteau Cousin Pons Cousin Betty
End