"It is in this hope that I sign myself your deeply incensed husband,
"BASTIEN.
"P.S.—You wrote me in a previous letter that the tutor had taken his departure. If you want another ass to take the place of the one that has gone, you can employ one, provided you can get him for one hundred francs a month, board and lodging—but no washing—included. Above all, don't forget that I won't have him eating at the table with me. When I am at home he will eat in his room, or in the kitchen if he wants company.
"Ask Huebin to let me know how the brood sows are looking, for I want to get the premium for my hogs this fall. It is a matter of pride with me."
A quarter of an hour after this coarse effusion from her lord and master had been received, Madame Bastien wrote the following letters, which were despatched to Pont Brillant at once.
"TO DOCTOR DUFOUR:—Dear doctor, will you have the goodness to forward the enclosed letter to Nantes, after having first read and sealed it. My son had a comfortable night.
"Try to give me a few minutes to-day or to-morrow, so I can tell you what I have not time to write.
"Hoping to see you very soon, I remain,
"Your sincere friend,
"MARIE BASTIEN."
The letter enclosed read as follows: