A pretty little lady (all the young women are pretty in Nancy) ran in at the joyous cries of the little brood.
"My daughter-in-law!" cried Fougas, opening his arms.
The lady of the house modestly recoiled, and said, with a slight smile:
"You are mistaken, sir; I am not your daughter-in-law;[[9]] I am Madame Langevin."
"What a fool I am!" thought the Colonel. "Here I was going to tell our family secrets before these children. Mind your manners, Fougas! You are in fine society, where the ardor of the sweetest sentiments is hidden under the icy mask of indifference."
"Be seated," said Mme. Langevin. "I hope that you have had a pleasant journey?"
"Yes, madame. Only steam seemed too slow for me!"
"I did not know that you were in such a hurry to get here."
"You did not, then, appreciate that I was fairly burning to be with you?"
"I am glad to hear it; it is a proof that Reason and Family Affection have made themselves heard at last."