Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869 edition. Excerpt: ...sounded like that of some old slave-dealer, accustomed to appraise men's thews and sinews. He felt a rising distaste for this "bon Poplus," which was an unpleasant feeling for a guest to entertain towards a host, and not at all conducive to pleasant conversation. Luckily a ring at the door-bell diverted M. Poplus's attention. " Only M. Bertin," he observed to Raymond. M. Bertin was a dashing little man of about five-and-forty, with lively, unsettled hungry eyes--eyes that never made friends with you. Yet M. Bertin might have been supposed to be a popular man, for you met him everywhere; in fact, ladies took care before they sent out invitations for an evening party, to ascertain that M. Bertin was disengaged. He was one of those superficial men who shine in general society. He could talk on any subject. His only real talent lay in forcing his interlocutor to keep down to his (M. Bertin's) level. He was invaluable to mothers with young daughters just come out. He sang seconds and danced with them; gave them advice, with this inevitable conclusion: " I and your mother are the only persons from whom you will hear the truth;" and one of the truths he oftenest preached to these beginners was " distrust," not of themselves, but of their companions first, and of strangers second. He believed himself gifted with I'esprit Franpais, which means the delicately mordant wit of the eighteenth century. What he really possessed was an esprit leger. He was evidently a light-minded man, and, as such, more inclined to believe in evil than in good. He was unrivaled in the art of dropping a mischievous word--in sowing suspicion. Monsieur Bertin had been greatly encouraged by Monsieur and Madame Poplus; they believed him to be all powerful in Magny le Sec....
