The notary's nose;

II6 THE NOTARY'S NOSE.
they did not quarrel more than once a
week at most. How beautiful to see four
hearts which beat as one! The men went
riding, read Figaro, or retailed the town
gossip. The women took turns in telling
fortunes by cards in the most entertaining
way. The golden age in miniature!
M. Steimbourg made it his duty to present his friend to his family. He took
him to Bieville, where the elder Steimbourg had built himself a chateau. M.
l'Ambert was graciously received by a very
hale old gentleman, a lady of fifty-two
who had not yet abdicated, and two young
girls who were finished coquettes. The
girls had seen everything played at the
theatres, and read everything written in
books. Few people knew better than
they the fashionable gossip of Paris.
They had had pointed out to them at the
play, and in the Bois de Boulogne, the most
celebrated beauties of all circles. They