I venture a timid observation: it seems to me that the flight of father Athanasius and of Montaret, when they escape from their prison, is not perfectly clear? Is not the material explanation of the event too short?
I do not care for, as language, two or three ready-made locutions, such as "break the ice." You can see that I have read you attentively! What a pedagogue I make, eh! I am telling you all that from memory, for I have lent your book, and it has not been returned to me yet. But my recollection of it is of a thing very well done.
Don't you agree with me that a play of very great effect could be made from it for a boulevard theatre?
By the way, how is Cadio going?
Tell your dear mamma that I adore her.
Harrisse, from whom I have received a letter today, charges me to remember him to her, and, for my part, I charge you to embrace her for me.
And I grasp your two hands heartily and say "bravo" to you again, and faithfully yours.
Gustave Flaubert
CCCXIV. To MADAM MAURICE SAND
Thursday evening, 25th May, 1876
Dear Madam,