“'Would you like me to offer you some oysters?'
“My mother hesitated on account of the expense, but my two sisters immediately accepted. My mother said in a provoked manner:
“'I am afraid that they will hurt my stomach. Offer the children some, but not too much, it would make them sick.' Then, turning toward me, she added:
“'As for Joseph, he doesn't need any. Boys shouldn't be spoiled.'
“However, I remained beside my mother, finding this discrimination unjust. I watched my father as he pompously conducted my two sisters and his son-in-law toward the ragged old sailor.
“The two ladies had just left, and my father showed my sisters how to eat them without spilling the liquor. He even tried to give them an example, and seized an oyster. He attempted to imitate the ladies, and immediately spilled all the liquid over his coat. I heard my mother mutter:
“'He would do far better to keep quiet.'
“But, suddenly, my father appeared to be worried; he retreated a few steps, stared at his family gathered around the old shell opener, and quickly came toward us. He seemed very pale, with a peculiar look. In a low voice he said to my mother:
“'It's extraordinary how that man opening the oysters looks like Jules.'
“Astonished, my mother asked: