1. Lawyers are generally[1] more polite than majors. 2. When Mr. Perrichon has found the solution he is looking for, he shows lots of pluck. 3. The major is a tough customer. 4. When strikes the hour for the duel[2], the combatants[3] will not flinch. 5. It is my business to pick holes in your spelling. 6. If a patrol turns up in the nick of time, the duel will be prevented[4]. 7. When two men are going to fight a[5] duel, they put their papers in order. 8. John, why did you let that man in?"—«What was I to do? I took him for a traveling acquaintance[6] of yours.» 9. A business man with a commission in the militia is not a real soldier. I0. «Here is a visiting card.»—«Gee!» —«What is the matter?»—«We're in a pretty mess! the question is how to get out of it.»
[1: d'ordinaire.] [2: duel, m.] [3: combattant, m.] [4: empêcher.] [5: en.] [6: See Act III, Sc. VI.]
XXV
ACT III, SCENES XII AND XIII
1. Mr. Perrichon is to[1] fight a[2] duel with a retired major in thesecond regiment of Zouaves. 2. He is a civilian, a business man, a family man, and his wife won't have[3] him go on the field. 3. So she thinks it her duty to notify the police. 4. It behooves her conjugal affection[4] to prevent[5] a couple of madmen from crossing swords. 5. Although[6] her husband says he is as cool as can be[7], she sends an urgent note to the chief of police. 6. Breakfast is ready: let's sit down! 7. When a man is afraid, he has a very long face. 8. He did not want to tell you that he had an errand to do; he let it out accidentally. 9. Have you received any concert tickets from your music teacher? It is his benefit, and if you are not engaged all day, you had better[8] go.
[1: devoir.] [2: See Ex. XXIV, note 5.] [3: Tr. «does not wish that» followed by subjunctive.] [4: affection conjugale.] [5: See Ex. XXIV, note 4.] [6: Quoique and subjunctive.] [7: Tr.«as bronze.»] [8: Tr.«you will do well to.» Supply «there» with «go.»]
XXVI
ACT IV, SCENES I AND II
1. We are going to fight with the swords I have here under my cloak. 2. I will not be one of your seconds; I should get into trouble with the law. 3. When a sword breaks, the combatant is in a fix, and the whole thing is spoilt. 4. «You sent me a note last night, here I am. What is it?» 5. «I am going on the field with a major.»—«You! nonsense!»—«What do you mean by[1] nonsense!» 6. When is this duel to come off?»—«We meet to-day at two o'clock and you must be my second.»—«Excuse me, I cannot. It is as much as my place is worth.» 7. Those[2] whom we have obliged may be asked to help us in the crises of our lives. 8. When you have paid him back all you owe him, you and he[3] will be quits.
[1: See Act III, Sc. III.] [2: Turn into the active.] [3: Insert another «you.»]