"No. It is always the same thing with us."
"Well, and so much the better," replied the father, "bacon is very good fare; I like it."
But the cripple, shrugging his shoulders, pushed away the dish, muttering:
"I suppose other meat is too dear for us now, eh?"
Toussaint Lumineau's brows contracted at the mention of former prosperity, but he replied, gently:
"You are right, my poor boy, it is a bad year, and expenses are heavy," then, wishing to change the subject—"Has Jean not come in yet?"
Three voices, in succession, replied:
"I have not seen him!"
"Nor I."
"Nor I."