"'No, my dear, that's very true;' replied the stout gentleman in a submissive voice, and trying to smile his better half into good-humour.
"'You don't know how to help a dish of spinach, and yet you attempt a dish like that!'
"'My dear—in the country, you know——'
"'In the country, sir, as in the town, people shouldn't try things they can't perform.'
"'You know, Madame Moutonnet, that generally I never attempt any thing—but to day'——
"'To day you should have done as you do on other days,' retorted the lady.
"'Ah, but, my love, you forget that this is Saint Eustache——'
"'Yes, yes, this is Saint Eustache!' is repeated in chorus by the whole company, and the glasses are filled and jingled as before.
"'To the health of Eustache; Eustache for ever!'
"'To yours, ladies and gentlemen,' replied M. Moutonnet graciously smiling—'and yours, my angel.'