"For my part, I believe that those people are not sincere, that they simply make a point of concealing what they think.—Who is the other one, father?"
"Monsieur Clairval."
"I am very fond of him; he isn't complimentary, at all events, and yet that doesn't prevent his being agreeable. He has plenty of wit, and doesn't flaunt it in everybody's face. I do like that so much—wit that doesn't parade itself!"
"But, my child, if one has wit without showing it, I should say that it was precisely equivalent to having none at all."
"Oh! it always leaks out, father, here and there, even if it's only in the smile."
"I just missed inviting Monsieur de la Bérinière, too."
"Oh! papa, how fortunate it is that you missed it!"
"Why so, pray? The count is very pleasant. He's a very distinguished man in all respects."
"I don't say that he isn't, but for a count we should have had to make preparations; and then, he has been coming to see us quite often of late."
"And that bores you?"