chapter xii
. full=xiv)
22. que: emphatic. See note, p. 4 l. 31.
24. à un grand gendarme de femme, ‘to a big masterful woman.’
Page 101.
25. convaincu, ‘confident.’
Page 102.
3. ne devait pas être, ‘was not likely to be,’ ‘could not be.’
7. avait l’air gênée, ‘seemed very uneasy.’ With the expression _avoir l’air_ the adjective may agree indifferently with the subject or with _air_ when it refers to either; but if it cannot refer to one of them it must agree with the other, e.g. _cette pomme a l’air mûre_, not _mûr_, because the air cannot be ripe.
14. joli, le dîner! ‘a fine dinner it was, too!’
Page 103.
3. vieilles gens: attributive adjectives are generally _feminine_ when preceding and _masculine_ when following _gens_.
7. lui coupe l’appétit, ‘has taken away her appetite.’
13. de quoi payer: cf. note, p. 81 l. 12.
15. encore si . ., ‘if only . .’
16. à mon aise: cf. note, p. 55 l. 4.
23. avait le cœur gros, ‘felt a sinking at the heart,’ ‘felt sad and oppressed.’
APPENDICES
BY
THE GENERAL EDITORS
APPENDIX I.—WORDS AND PHRASES FOR _VIVA VOCE_ DRILL
II.—QUESTIONNAIRE
III.—SENTENCES ON SYNTAX AND IDIOMS FOR _VIVA VOCE_ PRACTICE
IV.—PASSAGES FOR TRANSLATION INTO FRENCH
V.—SUJETS DE RÉDACTION
I. WORDS AND PHRASES
FOR _VIVA VOCE_ DRILL
_Note_.—This Appendix gives primary and ordinary meaning of words, and therefore does not in every case supply the best term to be used in the translation of the text.
Some words and phrases are intentionally inserted several times.
It is suggested that the phrases should be said in different persons and tenses, to insure variety and practice.
All nouns to be given with definite or indefinite article to show the gender.
_Abbreviation_.—sg. =‘something.’
Page WORDS (=3) WORDS (=3) PHRASES (=3)
1 the silk handkerchief the dust comfortable a workshop grateful the factory at that time he was born on August the first to part with sg.
2 the cook (_f_) the strike the news to empty a workman the well to give the finishing stroke to get into the meshes of the law from that time onward
3 to own, confess to be present at the thunder the collapse nimble the anger with the help of this instrument everybody lives as he likes to lay the blame at some one’s door
4 to swear the pain to bleed the heel the sob to dare in an undertone he was scarcely two years older than his brother to frighten some one
5 unceasingly a tear to increase a downpour whole a church there is nothing the matter with me nobody takes any notice of him on the whole
6 a goose the mane wild a crew to roar the throat by turns I thought as much there was no one to compare with him
7 the oath henceforward to warn to soften to escape the parrot that broke his heart the more he roared, the more I laughed make him say it
8 to get rid of to chatter the hut a group the depth to move at the end of half-an-hour they were coming in my direction flat on his face
9 to smile the wheelbarrow the trunk, box the departure in future huge as soon as they had gone, we went out I have been here for a week I wonder what they have come to do
10 the umbrella the tail the whistle the crossing the step to wave he was raising himself as high as he could all the same _or_ none the less as one advanced the other retired
11 the bell the river-bank the willow to ford the fog the funnel to go with the stream to be overtaken by a squall to bend double
12 to slip to squeeze the happiness disconsolate to extricate to alleviate closely packed to grope one’s way forward you could hear him a mile off
13 damp dirty the shoemaker the drawer to crush to stuff, stop up with all his might on the fourth floor she gave a cry of distress
14 the quay the acme the basket to water, drench to enliven thestove, furnace I have got into the habit of doing it I was ashamed of it in the end he took a dislike to him
15 ugly the pitcher the drop stoneware feverish the reply to shrug one’s shoulders it is no good telling him not to do it . . why do you want us to refuse?
16 the taste the merchant to wear striking surly the landing nor I either what has become of him? we will make a doctor of him
17 box-wood contemptuous to snigger mouldy faded the book-binder he took an aversion to me it does not smell nice he always does his best
18 the hoar-frost to whip the window-pane to knit the mesh, stitch the sigh on tiptoe the seventh instant to go marketing 19 a poem to swear the mystery solemn the misfortune to confide by way of answer to double-lock a door he had written in copper-plate handwriting
20 a canto dizziness the neck to dismiss to leap the remainder he never could succeed in doing it there was nothing done but the first four lines how willingly I should have done it!
21 the sheet (of a bed) the rent (of a house) the creditor the chin the silver-plate to borrow I am in a hurry to get there you don’t lose much by not knowing him a ring at the bell
22 to tear to mix to succeed to sink the employment to bemire there is only one course open to us until further notice I have got bad news for you
23 to fold previously to enliven thereupon to earn busy she heaved a deep sigh I have acquainted myself with what is going on from what he told me
24 drunkenness pride to welcome to get over the gangway an embrace nor anything at all approaching how small he is! the word gave him a terrible shock
25 the brain the trade the advice the cheek the barracks the duty he rushed down the staircase four steps at a time in the very same breath he urged him to go that very day
26 the oak to snore the fist to stifle the shop to wake up the walls were whitewashed this is just what I want for the time being
27 the cellar the handful to pour the chatter to clink glasses to shine the table has not yet been laid in a trice he is blushing with pleasure
28 the future the weakness plumed to recount, tell the plane-tree a league what a pity! we were so comfortable! he is back in England again what else can you expect?
29 grey narrow to build the cross enclose to overlap to run at top speed I have beckoned to him to come they lean towards one another
30 silent the hammer heavily the prayer the shade the cap he had a lantern in his hand the door opened of its own accord I mistook him for a German
31 brandy lean, thin the quince muffled up the baluster the navy the man with a moustache they were just finishing supper they began to talk together
32 a lamp-shade to bow (_intr_) to disturb the eyeglass to stammer the information right at the back of the study when he had finished, he turned to me what do you want me to do with that?
33 thanks to the forefinger the whiskers a shoulder to add on the contrary it was he who broached the subject a bunch of keys to grind one’s teeth
34 willingly the frenzy a loss to wander the wire lattice to take one’s bearings if you stir, beware! at long intervals he was coming to meet me
35 wrinkled slender, slim lank shrivelled the fairy fencing he looked very good-natured on the way he told me stories I readily accepted
36 a confession commonplace to burst the hearth the goal the treatise a shake of the hand I will do it by myself a man’s duty to his friends
37 the window-pane the figure, number the bedside the salary the speech a dream to wake up with a start to walk up and down the half-bottle of wine to which they are entitled
38 out of breath the priest to romp the inch the devil joyful hat does not matter he did not return my bow the biggest was the first to speak
39 the frock-coat the belt the box to fill the garrison to drag away to make some one’s acquaintance I want you to be one of the party on the whole, you have fallen on your feet
40 the stick to roam to jostle the pun shameless to drive away it is not her fault gradually _or_ little by little he was talking loudly, with his glass in his hand
41 the day before to disdain proud a scamp solemn to retire as one might have thought he proposed Daniel’s health they looked at me more favourably
42 to threaten the desk to whisper to swell to chirp sneering more and more he climbed the pulpit steps they never did me any harm
43 to boast (_intr_) the rabbit the paw the tale fright according to to fold one’s arms to open one’s eyes wide three times a week
44 dumb average to despise to reward to scold the witness I never told any more stories it broke my heart not to be able to do it he is destitute of everything
45 the stain the penknife to spread out the torture the lawn the carnet to bear some one ill-will as fast as possible from top to bottom
46 crooked in rags the ugliness to comb the gutter bandy-legged it was no good my shouting to them . . that is easily seen from his manners tousled hair
47 the cloud, swarm the monkey the shoe the knot stiff laughable to be upon the enemy’s heels I have gut hardly any more as if there were nothing the matter
48 to jest the fist the cake the square to be ashamed to get under way to play some one a trick with a submissive look he thought he was very beautiful
49 to bend to sweat a master-piece the farrier to bleed the staff he had sat down on the ground from that day forth to rub one’s hands
50 to spit hideous near (_adj_) to horrify the beard to kiss I should have succeeded in doing it the day when he left what will become of him?
51 chubby a snare coarse proud implacable the truce to be on the look-out he knows his trade well in spite of oneself
52 to sew to spin the heel the spectacles the cassock to forget my window looks out on to the courtyard he was walking with long strides on the first storey
53 the mist the library the bookseller destitute the smallpox the scamp cost what it may I have a great mind to go and see her not a corner which was not full
54 to explain the silk to unhook to project, jut the elbow to smoke so so _or_ as well as one can sitting astride what a funny idea!
55 the shelf to lend the nail the trade to take away to spoil by the way, I forgot to tell you.. he might just as well not have come you need not blush
56 to suspect the trust the suffering empty the fly a stride you can take my word for it with gilt edges you will never pull through
57 the flag the tent the velvet the sponge the crowd bald I cannot stand it any longer he did not seem to suspect it everywhere at the same time
58 the flag to lie fallow threadbare coaxing careless proudly this way! this way! good-bye till next year the band struck up a march
59 the skirt the lawn the swan to whip the hay to suck I spend my days in reading if I could have gone to go bird-catching with a bird-call
60 to guess to add the illness the eyelash the dawn to bless how are you this morning? to retire with a low bow I have been told to wait upon him
61 to sigh to light without fail shrewd to place kindness to pout in utter despair he went away I cannot make up my mind to speak
62 beforehand hush! to steal sugar to dismiss to shot in you take my meaning nor the days after either as a crowning misfortune
63 the rest, repose a clock the wheelwork usual to stream fiercely to profit by sg. how short the holidays are! from top to bottom
65 to wind up harsh to embitter to outflank a riot to hiss thanks to his efforts I cannot bear it any longer in the dead of night
65 a point the frog the sample the scoundrel the farm the demeanour in a trice to laugh at some one I am not particular about it
66 unheard of indignant the gesture afresh the firmness contemptuous he struck him a violent blow with his fist I tried to keep my composure we’ll see about that
67 to lose a leap to complain to drive away to reassure the triumph to clap one’s hands to bring some one to his senses I was afraid in my turn
68 to mumble painful guilty the dormitory the tie the chin he got off with a good fright without appearing to do so, he was looking at them towards seven o’clock
69 the buffalo wild to avenge to inflict an insult to wriggle he has failed in his duty he has been kept to his bed for the last two days I was careful not to reply
70 the executioner to shudder the neighbour-hood the drawing-room cruelty a victim they laughed in my face such details as to make one’s hair stand on end twenty times running
71 to threaten naked the gymnasium to superintend the fencing-master I take no more trouble about them sheltered from the bad weather here and there
72 the ladder the beam the ring noisily the din to surprise half torn out without saying anything to anyone you did not suspect that I was here
73 the fog an event elsewhere deaf the somersault to resound they were shouting at the top of their voices I started reading again for the time being
74 the cask the novel a sign broad for fear of the corner as far as the eye can reach that will please him very much in reality he is very fond of him
75 the brain on purpose to disturb to get rid of a staircase the certainty he gave me a queer look the most natural thing in the world I went up the steps four at a time
76 to lean the mantelpiece the contempt the dressing-gown to gush out to jest to recover one’s breath I did not know what it was all about in a clear voice
77 to notice the style to cross the brief to lower to suspect the college is often mentioned what have you to say to that? I was ready to suffer anything
78 precipitately to betray to deserve to burst the handkerchief to smother you know what remains to be done to be dismissed there and then what has happened?
79 to sacrifice the jacket to weep the wrist somewhere ajar the butt-end of a pistol as he spoke he approached the door they were talking in an undertone
80 to put off resolutely to outlive moreover desperate the dishonour to keep one’s word in any case you are in a position to do him a service
81 the devotion angry to owe to enter, book the means to be anxious what was to become of me? in Paris one can always make a living to settle one’s affairs
82 the trousers the promise mournful a wing to forgive thematch, game in such weather at the rate I was going to go in search of some one
83 a stirrup cross-eyed yellow the copse an elm numerous ashamed of the infamous trade he plied to take one’s leave I had gone there more than once
84 the hedge to sweep muddy to twist the laughter to warm the ground-floor room the two windows bad been opened wide a table painted green
85 to melt cowardly the theatre to embellish bantering to despise to hold one’s breath I thought the game was up judging by his voice
86 a sheath, case the twilight to roast along suddenly the arbour she has been dead twenty years she has packed up her trunks I am quite beside myself
87 the kid to deny exhausted the chestnut-tree to swing (_intr_) the porch that would have done me no good if it were anything but a figure of speech a sudden idea struck me
88 the uproar the future to drown to skate the disgust a rock I have got into debt to feel dull never let the poor woman know the truth
89 the corpse the list-shoes the landing a parcel thus the evil, trouble he has always shown himself very kind to me I thank you for it to walk up and down
90 a stool the height the navy to unfasten to blow the knot you are mistaken the moon was shining full upon the window he does nothing but eat
91 sly, chaffing the waistcoat to prevent the right the decanter the grief he was still holding him with his other hand what a queer idea! how pleasant it is here!
92 to borrow the sofa to inflate a heap dreadful to spread out not another word! I will see to it myself I should like to have done with it by the way
93 tepid, luke-warm the account carefully a lamp-shade to make haste wide open what a lot of beautiful things! nobody will have noticed anything as usual
94 to lend the cheek to try to float to collect hastily to draw lots half mad without saying anything more
95 to extinguish the oath the draught to overturn to shudder the relic you ought to book our seats this morning I heard some one calling me I could not help blushing at my cowardice
96 scowling wrinkled to pocket the magic scared the condolence to open one’s heart what a pity it is! this very day
97 the disgust the publican the office unhealthy the switch the felt we are full up (_or_ all present) at least I believe it to be so to cut sg. short
98 to nail to stammer the steel the attic the thunder a picture to be out of the perpendicular you need only say so to thrust one’s hands into the depths of one’s pockets
99 the lock the delight to hang the curtain the anguish to topple down he felt inclined to ask me . . to run here and there a few steps farther on
100 the bugle a miser the discovery a sword the coachman to enjoy consider yourself lucky to steer for Paris the order to fire
101 the paint-brush the scarcity, dearth pink Spanish so-called to wipe he spends his time in talking I am trying my hardest to do it you should have seen him when . .
102 a cow the reception the codfish to breathe stingy scanty, curtailed she was painful to look upon are you having holidays? whatever she may say, she is not happy
103 pitiless to be a spy upon to delight to behave to watch to snatch from she was looking at me on the sly it takes her appetite away to have one’s heart full
II. QUESTIONNAIRE
I (pp. 1—4)
1. Où et quand suis-je né? 2. Que trouve-t-on dans toutes les villes du Midi? 3. Qu’est-ce que mon père s’était taillé dans un pan de sa fabrique? 4. Que m’a souvent conté la vieille Annou? 5. Quels malheurs assaillirent coup sur coup ma famille? 6. Que devint la fabrique après la Révolution de 1848? 7. Qu’arriva-t-il enfin au bout de deux ans? 8. Pourquoi mes parents n’avaient-ils pas voulu m’envoyer à l’école? 9. Que m’avait appris ma mère? 10. Quel côté agréable trouvai-je à notre ruine? 11. Que disais-je gravement au petit Rouget? 12. Quelle sorte d’homme était M. Eyssette? 13. A qui s’attaquait-il dans sa colère? 14. Qu’aurait-on cru à l’entendre? 15. Que se passait-il à la maison dès qu’il sortait? 16. Pourquoi chacun pleurait-il?
II (pp. 5—8)
1. Quelle était la singularité de mon frère Jacques? 2. Que disait parfois M. Eyssette en parlant de lui? 3. Que répondait Mme Eyssette? 4. Où jouais-je toute la journée et avec qui? 5. Décrivez le fils du concierge Colombe. 6. Qu’était tour à tour pour moi le jeune Rouget? 7. Queue était ma folie en ce temps-là? 8. Pourquoi cessai-je de parler à mon camarade? 9. Comment essaya-t-il de m’attendrir? 10. Que devint-il au bout de quelques jours? 11. Par qui le remplaçai-je? 12. A quoi passai-je alors mon temps? 13. Pourquoi mon oncle m’avait-il donné son perroquet? 14. Que m’arriva-t-il on matin en quittant ma cabane? 15. Que fis-je aussitôt? 16. Que firent les étrangers?
III (pp. 9—12)
1. Où courus-je à leur départ et à quoi passai-je le reste du jour? 2. Que nous annonça, le soir, M. Eyssette? 3. Queues étaient les deux choses qui me faisaient sourire au milieu de ma douleur? 4. Qu’est-ce que je me disais? 5. Que savez-vous sur Beaucaire? 6. Pourquoi le concierge nous accompagna-t-il jusqu’à la diligence? 7. Décrivez la caravane formée par les voyageurs. 8. Que faisaient les arbres à mesure qu’elle s’éloignait? 9. Que me semble-t-il voir et entendre encore? 10. Quel spectacle offrait le Rhône pendant notre voyage? 11. Pourquoi pensai-je, vers la fin du troisième jour, que nous allions avoir un grain? 12. Qu’arrivait-il chaque fois que nous passions sous un pont? 13. Où étions-nous tous les quatre lorsque le débarquement commença? 14. Que fit M. Eyssette dès qu’il fut auprès de nous? 15. Pourquoi avancions-nous avec peine? 16. Pourquoi essayai-je tout à coup de dégager ma main de celle de mon père?
IV (pp. 13—16)
1. Que criait le capitaine, et que me dit M. Eyssette? 2. Décrivez la maison de la rue Lanterne. 3. Pourquoi la vieille Annou poussa-t-elle un cri de détresse en s’installant dans la cuisine? 4. Que fit-on pour se débarrasser des babarottes? 5. Dites quelques mots sur les promenades de la famille Eyssette le dimanche. 6. Quand et pourquoi dut-on renvoyer Annou? 7. Que fit la pauvre fille en arrivant dans le Midi? 8. Qui s’occupa du ménage après son départ? 9. Pourquoi M. Eyssette abreuvait-il Jacques de taloches? 10. Que lui disait-il tout le temps? 11. Racontez la scène de la cruche en faisant parler les personnages. 12. A quelle époque nos parents songèrent-ils à nos études? 13. De qui M. Eyssette reçut-il un jour une lettre? 14. Que lui écrivait son ami? 15. Pourquoi mon père garda-t-il Jacques avec lui? 16. Qu’est-ce qui me frappa à mon arrivée au collège?
V (pp. 17—20)
1. Que dirent les élèves quand j’entrai dans la classe? 2. Comment me parla le professeur? 3. Pourquoi mes camarades me surnommèrent-ils “le petit Chose”? 4. Qu’avaient-ils de plus que moi? 5. Dans quel état se trouvaient mes livres? 6. De quelle façon Jacques me vint-il en aide? 7. Que faisait-il le reste du temps? 8. Qu’avais-je compris pour ma part? 9. Où et comment travaillais-je en hiver? 10. Qu’entendait-on dans le magasin? 11. Que faisait de temps en temps Mme Eyssette? 12. Qu’apprit un jour le petit Chose en rentrant chez lui? 13. De quoi fut-il fort étonné un soir au moment de se coucher? 14. Que lui dit Jacques? 15. Le poème du cahier rouge était-il terminé? 16. Que disait le jeune auteur à ce sujet?
VI (pp. 21—24)
1. Donnez quelques détails sur la vie de la famille Eyssette pendant les quatre on cinq années suivantes. 2. Décrivez le petit Chose au moment où il achevait sa philosophie. 3. Qu’arriva-t-il un matin qu’il se disposait à aller en classe? 4. Quelle mauvaise nouvelle lui apprit son père? 5. Par quoi fut-il interrompu? 6. Qu’expliqua-t-il au petit Chose? 7. Qu’est-ce qu’il avait décidé? 8. Que lui avait écrit le recteur? 9. Que dit le petit Chose après avoir lu la lettre? 10. Par quel bateau partit-il? 11. Qu’est-ce qui égaya un peu son départ? 12. Pourquoi ne pleura-t-il pas? 13. Quel fut son premier soin en arrivant dans sa villa natale? 14. Décrivez le recteur. 15. Quelle exclamation poussa-t-il en voyant son protégé? 16. Que pensa celui-ci?
VII (pp. 25—28)
1. Que lui dit aussitôt le recteur? 2. Que lui remit-il peu après? 3. Comment le congédia-t-il? 4. Où se rendit tout de suite le petit Chose? 5. Que fit-il ensuite? 6. Ce premier devoir accompli, de quoi se mit-il en quête? 7. Décrivez le restaurant où il entra. 8. Quelle surprise l’y attendait? 9. De quoi s’étonna l’homme du comptoir en s’éveillant? 10. Que fit-il quand il apprit que le jeune inconnu était M. Daniel Eyssette? 11. Que tailla Annou pour M. Daniel? 12. Que lui versa maître Peyrol? 13. De quoi causa-t-on pendant deux heures? 14. Pourquoi M. Daniel voulut-il tout à coup partir? 15. Que lui dirent ses hôtes? 16. Quelle était la visite importante qu’il avait à faire?
VIII (pp. 29—32)
1. Pourquoi fut-il stupéfait en arrivant devant la fabrique? 2. Quelle est la situation de Sarlande? 3. Quel temps faisait-il le soir de mon arrivée? 4. Qu’est-ce que je sentis en entrant dans la ville? 5. Que dit le concierge du cottage en me voyant? 6. Pourquoi m’engagea-t-il à attendre un instant dans sa loge? 7. Qui s’y trouvait déjà? 8. Que dit le concierge en me désignant? 9. Que répondit l’homme aux moustaches? 10. Qu’entendait-on au dehors? 11. Décrivez le collège. 12. Que m’apprit la portier? 13. Que dit-il au principal en entrant avec moi dans son cabinet de travail? 14. Que fis-je en attendant que ce dernier eût fini d’écrire? 15. Que dit-il lorsqu’il jeta les yeux sur moi? 16. De quoi eus-je peur?
IX (pp. 33—36)
1. Que finit par me dire la principal, après avoir lu et relu la lettre que je lui ramis? 2. Qu’est-ce qui m’arrêta au milieu de mes remerciements? 3. En face de qui me trouvai-je en me retournant? 4. Que fit le surveillant général lorsque je lui fus présenté? 5. Que firent ses clefs? 6. Que dit le principal à M. Viot? 7. Que répondit celui-ci? 8. Qu’est-ce qu’il me donna avant de me quitter? 9. Que m’arriva-t-il à ma sortie? 10. Quelles ombres m’apparurent tout à coup? 11. De quoi s’agissait-il pour moi maintenant? 12. Que me proposa l’homme aux moustaches? 13. Qu’est-ce que j’appris en cheminant avec lui? 14. Comment nous séparâmes-nous? 15. Quels furent les sentiments du petit Chose en se trouvant seul dans sa chambre d’hôtel? 16. Quelle résolution prit-il?
X (pp. 37—40)
1. Que contenait le règlement de M. Viot? 2. Comment se terminait-il? 3. Quels rêves troublèrent mon sommeil cette nuit-là? 4. Que ma dit M. Viot le lendemain matin, lorsque j’arrivai au collège? 5. Qui aimai-je tout de suite, et pourquoi? 6. Que dit M. Serrières lorsqu’il apprit que j’allais le remplacer? 7. A quoi faisait-il allusion? 8. Qu’ajouta-t-il en me tendant la main? 9. Où se trouvait la café Barbette et par qui était-il surtout fréquenté? 10. Qu’est-ce qui voue frappait en y entrant? 11. Comment y fus-je accueilli? 12. Qu’avaient an café tous les maîtres d’étude? 13. Que m’apprit Serrières sur la fée aux lunettes? 14. Que n’osai-je pas lui demander? 15. Que se passait-il pendant notre conversation? 16. Qu’est-ce que je racontai à l’un des sous-officiers?
XI (pp. 41—44)
1. Quel fut l’effet de cette histoire? 2. Que dit l’homme aux clefs à Serrières lorsque nous retournâmes au collège? 3. Par qui et comment fus-je installé dans mes fonctions? 4. Quelle impression produisirent sur mes élèves les clefs de M. Viot? 5. Que se passa-t-il dès que les terribles clefs furent dehors? 6. Comment le petit Chose commença-t-il sa première étude? 7. De quelle façon traitait-il ses élèves? 8. Pourquoi les aimait-il? 9. Qu’avait-il composé à leur intention? 10. Comment ses petits accueillaient-ils l’annonce d’une histoire? 11. Que faisait souvent M. Vint? 12. Qu’arriva-t-il quand il entra un jour au milieu de l’histoire de Jean Lapin? 13. Que lui dis-je pour apaiser ses clefs? 14. Qu’est-ce qu’il fit à la récréation de quatre heures? 15. Comment le collège était-il divisé? 16. Pourquoi mes collègues me montraient-ils peu de sympathie?
XII (pp. 45—48)
1. Où se trouvait ma chambre? 2. Que faisais-je en y rentrant? 3. Quelle était alors la grande chose pour moi? 4. Que me fallait-il faire deux fois par semaine? 5. Qu’appelait-on la Prairie? 6. Qu’est-ce qui me semblait le plus terrible, et pourquoi? 7. Qui mettais-je en tête de ma division? 8. Que voyait-on à la queue? 9. Décrivez Bamban. 10. Que faisaient les gamins de Sarlande quand je sortais avec lui? 11. Qu’est-ce que j’adressais chaque semaine au principal? 12. Dans quel état Bamban m’arriva-t-il on beau dimanche? 13. Qu’y avait-il de plus risible dans sa tenue? 14. Que se passa-t-il quand je lui criai de s’en aller? 15. Quel sentiment éprouvai-je lorsqu’il nous rejoignit à la Prairie? 16. Qu’est-ce que je me dis en moi-même?
XIII (pp. 49—52)
1. Que fis-je alors? 2. Qu’est-ce que j’appris sur le compte de Bamban? 3. De quelle classe faisait-il partie? 4. Comment passait-il son temps à l’étude? 5. Que s’empressait-il de faire quand il avait terminé une page? 6. Quel événement nous sépara brusquement? 7. Pourquoi considérai-je cela comme une catastrophe? 8. Que fit Bamban le jour de notre séparation? 9. Qu’était-ce que mes nouveaux élèves? 10. Quelle sorte d’existence menai-je parmi eux? 11. Qu’est-ce que Daniel Eyssette n’oubliera jamais? 12. Qu’avais-je pourtant gagné à changer d’étude? 13. Où les yeux noirs travaillaient-ils? 14. Où la fée aux lunettes les avait-elle pris, et pourquoi? 15. Qu’était-ce que l’abbé Germane? Quelle réputation avait-il? 16. Décrivez-le.
XIV (pp. 53—56)
1. Où et comment vivait-il? 2. A quoi disait-on qu’il travaillait? 3. Pourquoi, malgré la sympathie qu’il m’inspirait, n’osais-je pas lui parler? 4. A quel propos résolus-je de m’adresser à lui? 5. Que m’avaient dit ses frères? 6. Que faisait-il lorsque j’entrai dans sa chambre? 7. Comment m’accueillit-il? 8. Qu’est-ce qui m’intimida? 9. Que me dit-il quand je lui demandai de me prêter son Condillac? 10. Qu’ajouta-t-il au moment où je me disposais à me retirer? 11. Pourquoi mis-je le Condillac devant mes yeux lorsqu’il s’apitoya sur mon sort? 12. Quels étaient les seuls remèdes qu’il connût aux grandes souffrances? 13. Comment me congédia-t-il? 14. Qu’eus-je à ma disposition à partir de ce jour-là? 15. Qu’y avait-il sur la table de l’abbé? 16. A quoi se bornèrent nos entrevues jusqu’à la fin de l’année?
XV (pp. 57—60)
1. Comment la cour des moyens était-elle ornée le jour de la distribution des prix? 2. Qu’avait-on dressé au fond? 3. Quelle était l’attitude de l’abbé Germane? 4. Que voyait-on au pied de l’estrade? 5. Pourquoi n’entendis-je pas les discours? 6. Que se passa-t-il à la fin de la cérémonie? 7. Où se tenaient le principal et M. Viot, et que faisaient-ils? 8. Qu’allaient revoir les élèves qui montaient dans des voitures armoriée? 9. Qu’allaient faire ceux qui grimpaient dans des chars à banc? 10. Qu’arriva-t-il au petit Chose pendant les vacances? 11. Où et comment passa-t-il ses journées après le départ de son père? 12. Qui lui apportait ses repas, et de quoi se composaient-ils? 13. Qu’est-ce qui l’étonna fort un matin? 14. Que vit-il en levant la tête? 15. Qu’est-ce que lui annoncèrent les yeux noirs? 16. Pourquoi bénit-il sa maladie?
XVI (pp. 61—64)
1. Dans quel espoir les yeux noirs s’attardent-ils souvent dans l’infirmerie? 2. Que leur dit parfois le petit Chose? 3. Que font-ils alors, et qu’ajoute tout simplement le malade? 4. Quelle résolution prend-il après leur départ? 5. Que leur demande-t-il un soir, et pourquoi? 6. De quoi s’aperçoit-il au matin? 7. Comment pense-t-il que les choses vont se passer? 8. Comment se passent-elles en réalité? 9. Que sont devenus les yeux noirs? 10. Qu’a fait M. Viot pendant les vacances? 11. Que revoit-on bientôt devant la porte? 12. Comment fonctionnèrent d’abord à la rentrée les rouages du collège? 13. Que vit-on bientôt cependant chaque jour aux mêmes beures? 14. Dans queue disposition d’esprit mes élèves m’étaient-ils revenus? 15. Pourquoi ne pouvais-je plus rien supporter? 16. Comment vois-je encore mon étude?
XVII (pp. 65—68)
1. Qu’arrivait-il lorsque M. Viot y entrait? 2. Que se bornait-il à faire? 3. Qu’était-ce que le jeune Boucoyran? 4. Pourquoi le principal tenait-il à lui? 5. Pourquoi vécûmes-nous, le marquis et moi, en assez bons termes pendant quelque temps? 6. Que lui dis-je un jour qu’il se montra par trop insolent? 7. Comment reçut-il cet acte d’autorité? 8. Que répondit-il à ma seconde injonction, et que fis-je alors? 9. Quelle était mon intention? 10. Que fit-il lorsque j’eus le geste de le prendre au collet? 11. De quelle façon répondis-je à son attaque? 12. Quelles réflexions me troublèrent dans mon triomphe? 13. Qu’est-ce qui me rassura un peu? 14. Pourquoi eus-je un triste pressentiment le jeudi suivant? 15. Qui entra dans mon étude le lendemain? 16. Que dit le principal aux élèves?
XVIII (pp. 69—72)
1. Que me dit-il ensuite, à moi? 2. De quoi m’accusa après lui M. de Boucoyran, le père? 3. Comment termina-t-il son réquisitoire? 4. Pourquoi ne répondis-je rien? 5. Quel fut le résultat de cette affaire dans mon étude? 6. Qu’en disait-on en ville? 7. Que se passa-t-il pendant huit jours dans le salon des Boucoyran? 8. Quel parti le journal de l’opposition tira-t-il de l’aventure? 9. Pourquoi le principal ne me renvoya-t-il pas? 10. Pourquoi eût-il mieux valu pour moi être renvoyé tout de suite? 11. Qu’appelait-on _la salle_? 12. Pour quelle raison y avait-on caserné les élèves un certain matin? 13. Décrivez ce local. 14. Que faisaient les enfants là dedans? 15. Pourquoi ne me serais-je aperçu de rien s’ils avaient démoli le gymnase de fond en comble? 16. Que m’apprenait Jacques dans sa lettre?
XIX (pp. 73—76)
1. Que ma disait-il de Paris? 2. Qu’est-ce qui m’interrompit tout à coup dans ma lecture? 3. Que présageait la visite du sous-préfet, et pourquoi? 4. Qu’appris-je sur mon père en continuant à lire ma lettre? 5. Quels détails me donnait Jacques sur sa chambre? 6. Quelle possibilité me faisait-il entrevoir? 7. Qua me dit le portier dès que j’eus remis mes élèves entre les mains des professeurs? 8. Que m’imaginai-je aussitôt? 9. D’où ma venait sans doute cette idée? 10. Pourquoi ne parlai-je pas à Roger lorsque je le rencontrai? 11. Que fis-je avant d’entrer chez le principal? 12. Comment m’apparut le sous-préfet? 13. Qui sa tenait près de lui, et dans quelle attitude? 14. Que dit-il dès qu’il me vit? 15. Pourquoi ne répondis-je rien d’abord? 16. Que fit-il après ma réponse?
XX (pp. 77—80)
1. Qu’est-ce qu’avait déclaré M. Viot? 2. Pourquoi ne ma disculpai-je pas? 3. Que pansai-je en reconnaissant las lettres? 4. Que fit le sous-préfet lorsqu’il vit que je ne voulais pas parler? 5. Que lui répondit le principal? 6. Dans quel état rentrai-je chez moi? 7. Que faisait pendant ce temps le maître d’armes? 8. Que me dit-il quand j’eus fini de lui raconter la scène du cabinet? 9. Où voulait-il aller sur-le-champ, et pourquoi? 10. Qu’ajouta-t-il à voix basse avant de sortir? 11. Que fit-il lorsque je lui demandai quelle était son intention? 12. Que s’était-il promis au service? 13. Qu’est-ce que je fis en l’apprenant? 14. Que lui dis-je pour le dissuader de son dessein? 15. A quoi finit-il par consentir? 16. Pourquoi étais-je presque joyeux lorsque nous nous séparâmes?
XXI (pp. 81—84)
1. Quelles furent mes réflexions, une fois le premier mouvement d’enthousiasme passé? 2. A quoi me décidai-je? 3. Quelle pensée m’arrêta soudain? 4. Pourquoi cessai-je bientôt de m’inquiéter? 5. Que pensai-je lorsque je ne trouvai pas Roger dans sa chambre? 6. Que me dit-on au café Barbette? 7. Que me hâtai-je de faire? 8. Quelle distance y a-t-il de Sarlande à la Prairie, et en combien de temps la parcourus-je? 9. De quoi avais-je peur? 10. Qu’est-ce qui me rassurait un peu? 11. Décrivez la guinguette d’Espéron. 12. Qu’entendis-je en approchant de la maisonnette? 13. Dans quel état se trouvait le jardin? 14. Pourquoi m’arrêtai-je net devant le perron? 15. Que fis-je ensuite? 16. Qu’est-ce que je reverrai toute ma vie?
XXII (pp. 85—88)
1. Qu’ai-je appris dans la tonnelle où je me dissimulais? 2. Que racontait mon bon ami le maître d’armes? 3. Qu’appelait-il la grande scène? 4. Comment la joua-t-il? 5. Qu’éprouvai-je pendant qu’il la jouait? 6. Qu’est-ce que je compris vaguement? 7. Quelle envie me prit alors, et pourquoi y résistai-je? 8. Que finis-je par faire? 9. Pourquoi me sentais-je perdu? 10. Où m’arrêtai-je, et dan, quel état? 11. Qu’est-ce qui me rappela à la vie? 12. Pourquoi cessai-je tout à coup de pleurer? 13. Que regardai-je avec persistance pendant la récréation? 14. A quoi passai-je mon temps à l’étude? 15. Qu’écrivis-je à Jacques pour loi expliquer ma résolution? 16. Que le priai-je de dire à notre mère?
XXIII (pp. 89—92)
1. Qu’écrivis-je tout de suite après à l’abbé Germane? 2. Où mis-je les deux lettres, et avec quelle suscription? 3. Que fis-je quand les élèves se furent couchés? 4. Pourquoi m’arrêtai-je un instant sur le palier? 5. Où allai-je ensuite, et comment? 6. Qu’aperçus-je près des toits? 7. Quel objet me frappa en entrant dans le gymnase, et pourquoi? 8. Qu’est-ce que je fis alors? 9. Que m’arriva-t-il tout à coup? 10. Que me dit une voix rude et narquoise? 11. Que vis-je en me retournant? 12. Quelles paroles échangeâmes-nous, l’abbé et moi? 13. Que fit-il lorsque je lui résistai? 14. Qu’y avait-il près du feu dans sa chambre? 15. Que lui dis-je après m’être assis au coin de la cheminée? 16. Que me dit-il quand j’eus fini?
XXIV (pp. 93—96)
1. Où passai-je la nuit? 2. Que voyais-je de temps en temps en ouvrant les yeux? 3. Qu’est-ce qui fit rire l’abbé le lendemain matin? 4. Que me dit-il? 5. Où le retrouvai-je après l’étude, et à quoi était-il occupé? 6. Quels conseils me donna-t-il en me quittant? 7. Que regardai-je une dernière fois avant de m’en aller? 8. Quel fut le résultat de ma contemplation? 9. Qu’avais-je à faire avant mon départ? 10. Que pris-je sur la cheminée, et pourquoi? 11. Qu’est-ce que j’aperçus en passant devant le gymnase? 12. Qu’arriva-t-il comme je sortais du collège? 13. Que me demanda le cafetier, et de quel air? 14. Que firent-ils, lui et le portier, quand ils entendirent ma réponse? 15. Que m’emprcssai-je de faire alors? 16. Quel changement se produisit aussitôt en eux?
XXV (pp. 97—100)
1. Pourquoi ne me laissai-je pas prendre à leurs protestations d’amitié? 2. Où m’en allai-je bien vite? 3. Où et quand rencontrai-je le maître d’armes? 4. Quel air avait-il? 5. Que pensai-je en le voyant? 6. Que fit-il lorsqu’il m’aperçut, et que me dit-il? 7. Pourquoi s’arrêta-t-il net? 8. Que murmura-t-il en s’éloignant? 9. Pourquoi restai-je quelques instants dans ma mansarde avant de la quitter pour toujours? 10. Qu’est-ce qui me réchauffa le cœur? 11. Que fis-je en passant devant le cabinet de M. Viot? 12. Où courus-je alors, et pourquoi? 13. Que faisait M. Viot lorsque je le rencontrai en sortant du collège? 14. Pourquoi le marquis de Boucoyran devait-il s’estimer heureux de mon départ? 15. Où devais-je m’arrêter en route, et pourquoi? 16. Qu’était-ce que l’oncle Baptiste, et qui avait-il épousé?
XXVI (pp. 101—103)
1. Comment vivait-il depuis quarante ans? 2. De quoi sa maison était-elle pleine? 3. Qu’ai-je tenu dans mes mains? 4. Comment Mme Eyssette passait-elle toutes ses journées? 5. Qu’y avait-il de plus triste pour elle? 6. Qu’est-ce que je compris dès mon arrivée? 7. Quel air avait ma pauvre mère pendant le dîner? 8. Que répondis-je à l’oncle Baptiste, lorsqu’il me demanda si nous étions en vacances? 9. Pourquoi inventai-je cette histoire? 10. Que me dit alors ma tante? 11. Que dit-elle à son mari en voyant que ma mère mangeait à peine? 12. Qu’aurais-je voulu faire ce soir-là? 13. Pourquoi avais-je le cœur gros en sortant de chez l’oncle Baptiste? 14. Qu’est-ce que je me jurai solennellement?
III. SENTENCES ON SYNTAX AND IDIOMS
FOR _VIVA VOCE_ PRACTICE
I (pp. 1—5)
1. There it was that I came into the world and spent the first years of my life. 2. Their uncle was a proud and miserly old man, and so nobody liked him. 3. I must say, to begin with, that my birth did not bring my father good luck. 4. From that moment the factory was on its last legs. 5. Soon there remained in the whole house only my brother and myself. 6. The child had been taught only reading and writing. 7. Nobody seemed to know him, which greatly surprised me. 8. In reality he was an excellent man, although quick with his hands and loud of speech. 9. I really cannot understand why you lay the blame on me. 10. The revolutionists were not looked upon with much favour in the house. 11. My brother was scarcely two years older than myself. 12. What a singular man your friend is! 13. As far back as I can remember his eyes were always red. 14. You must start as soon as you can, without anybody knowing it.
II (pp. 6—10)
1. All that occurred on that day I still remember as if it had happened yesterday. 2. I had not been told of his departure, and they hardly suspected it either. 3. Although he played his part very well, if he had been asked what Robinson was, he would have been at a loss to answer. 4. My first business, on coming in, was to tell him that he must henceforth keep at home. 5. The richer one is, the more cares one has. 6. I tried in vain to make him say what was the matter with him. 7. The parrot, which my uncle had given me to be rid of its incessant talking, persisted in not speaking as soon as it was mine. 8. I had barely time to throw myself flat on my face behind a clump of oleanders. 9. I thought I recognized the porter’s voice, which reassured me a little. 10. We were greatly afraid that they might chance to discover our hiding-place. 11. What would have become of us if they had remained a few minutes longer? 12. Luckily for him, nothing of the sort happened. 13. At the end of half an hour they retired without even suspecting that the island was inhabited. 14. As soon as they had gone, I ran and shut myself up in my hut. 15. My father, who had gone on before, had already been in Lyons for a week.
III (pp. 11—15)
1. I should have liked that day to have lasted for ever. 2. Several big boats were going down stream. 3. Groping his way towards us, he cried out, “Who goes there?” 4. The noise was so great that you could hear it a mile off. 5. The next day, when I sent for it, it was not to be found anywhere. 6. The more of those horrid creatures she killed, the more there came. 7. The poor girl, who loved my mother passionately, could not make up her mind to leave us. 8. We had to put her on board by force, and as soon as she arrived in the south, she married there from sheer despair. 9. My parents did not take another servant, which seemed to me the depth of poverty. 10. If you are not happy, I assure you that I am not either. 11. Everybody had at length taken a dislike to him. 12. It is no use your telling him not to do it, he will do it all the same. 13. Why do you not want me to go with them? 14. I hope (_use a conjunction instead of a verb_) nothing has happened to him!
IV (pp. 16—20)
1. Where are the children? Go and see what has become of them. 2. We had been in Lyons for about two months when our parents thought of our studies. 3. What struck me most on my arrival was that I was the only one that wore a blouse. 4. The master at once took a violent dislike to me. 5. When he spoke to him, it was always in a most off-hand manner. 6. What do you call these flowers? How nice they smell! 7. The covers of his books were always torn, and sometimes there were pages missing. 8. Nobody will blame you if you really do your best. 9. I have just received your favour of the eighth instant. 10. From time to time the door was gently opened, and she entered on tiptoe. 11. Having double-locked the door, he came to me with a mysterious air. 12. By way of answer he took a red copy-book from under his jacket. 13. How gladly I would have fallen upon his neck, had I dared! 14. The first four lines only were done so far. 15. The rest, which he said was but a matter of time, he was never able to manage. 16. Do what he would, the poet never got farther than these four lines.
V (pp. 21—25)
1. Let us talk of something else, if you have no objection. 2. Such was that scene, the horror of which I shall never forget. 3. If I pass over in silence this portion of my life, the reader will lose nothing by not knowing it. 4. It was always the same story, business not prospering, the rent in arrears, the plate in pawn. 5. Having said this, M. Eyssette senior began to walk with big strides without speaking. 6. I have only succeeded in getting us over head and ears in debt. 7. To get out of it, you have only one decision to come to. 8. From what I see, there is no time to be lost. 9. “Are you not acquainted with what is going on?” he asked, heaving a deep sigh. 10. It was not without difficulty that he at length tore himself away from his friends’ embraces. 11. Travelling by himself and earning his living, he felt a grown-up man. 12. His father’s friend was a fine old man, with nothing about him savouring of the pedant. 13. If you wish to please me, you will not lose sight of him. 14. Thereupon he ran down the stairs four steps at a time. 15. This first duty accomplished, he went in quest of a public-house within his means.
VI (pp. 26—30)
1. “This is just what I want,” said he to himself. 2. It was a large room with whitewashed walls. 3. You cannot imagine how happy old Annou was to see her former master again! 4. In a trice the table was laid. 5. What a pity we must go! we were so comfortable here! 6. “A pleasant journey to you!” said one; “God bless you!” exclaimed the other. 7. Did not Captain Cook go to sea again directly after his return to England? 8. It is astonishing that you should not understand so simple a matter. 9. We soon saw him running towards us at the top of his speed. 10. It is a small town in a narrow valley shut in on all sides by the mountains. 11. On the night of my arrival the north wind had been raging ever since the morning. 12. A few people were waiting for the coach on the parade-ground, walking to and fro in front of the office. 13. The whole town seemed to have been asleep for years. 14. As soon as I knocked, the door opened of its own accord. 15. A porter, holding a big lantern in his hand, came up to me with a sleepy look. 16. He had promised us that he would come as soon as he had finished what he was doing.
VII (pp. 31—35)
1. A tall handsome fellow with a fair moustache was sipping a glass of brandy by the side of a short thin woman as yellow as a quince. 2. “The gentleman is so short,” said he, pointing to me, “that I mistook him at first for a pupil.” 3. Thereupon they began to speak in a low voice, casting sidelong glances at me. 4. Right at the back of the study a man was writing by the pale light of a lamp. 5. When he had finished his work, the headmaster turned to me. 6. “Why! this is a child!” he exclaimed; “what do they want me to do with a child?” 7. After reading the letter he told me that he consented to keep me, although he had fears as to my inexperience. 8. The main point is that the thing should be done at once. 9. I could have wished him to have had a thousand hands in order to kiss them all. 10. A man with red whiskers had just entered the room without anyone having heard him. 11. “If you stir, little scamp,” said he, “beware!” 12. I was wandering in the dark, trying to find my bearings, when I heard some one coming to meet me. 13. However powerful they may be, we do not fear them. 14. I continued to group along, but my heart was beating fast. 15. On the way I heard that that man, who looked a very good fellow, was a fencing-master.
VIII (pp. 36—40)
1. We parted at the door with a good deal of hand-shaking. 2. Do you think that you will be able to carry out your plan all by yourself? 3. I immediately began to read the document in order to post myself up in my new duties. 4. The ushers had a right to half a bottle of wine at every meal. 5. I had scarcely gone to sleep when I woke up with a start. 6. When your colleagues come back, I will introduce you to them. 7. The tallest of them, the one I was going to replace, spoke first. 8. “By Jove!” he exclaimed cheerfully, “you may well say so” (_use the word ‘cas’_). 9. I would have given anything in the world to have been only a few inches taller. 10. “Never mind,” he added, stretching out his hand to me; “although we are not built to be measured by the same standard, we can all the same empty a few flasks together.” 11. I want you to be one of our party. 12. What struck you on entering was the number of shakos hanging on the pegs. 13. On the whole you have fallen on your feet in coming here; you will not be so badly off. 14. All my colleagues ruled their pupils with a rod of iron. 15. Little by little he felt less timid and soon rose with his glass in his hand.
IX (pp. 41—45)
1. My neighbour was a youth of good family who had gone the pace a bit. 2. Everything was so silent that you might have thought the house was empty. 3. Come to me as soon as you have done. 4. And thus it was that I began my new career. 5. My boys were as yet untouched by the atmosphere of the school. 6. Even in winter the windows were always wide open. 7. It is for you especially (_use the word “intention”_) that I have composed this little tale. 8. Remember that I do not want you to speak in this way. 9. The narrator stopped short with one hand in the air. 10. Do you not miss your friend a good deal? 11. The college was divided into three departments: the Senior School, the Middle School and the Junior School. 12. As for him, he might smile at me as much as he liked, I could not like him. 13. When you see them, tell them I owe them no grudge. 14. As soon as he was in, he double-locked the door. 15. Twice a week we went to that spot, half a league from the town.
X (pp. 51—55)
1. Usually on those occasions I had the whole college on my hands. 2. Most of them used to fall into step splendidly. 3. It was in vain I spoke to him, he refused to listen to me. 4. The poor fellow was ridiculously short, badly dressed, redolent of the gutter, and, to crown all, dreadfully bandy-legged. 5. We always had at our heels a swarm of ragamuffins turning cart-wheels behind us. 6. The little imp was smiling as if nothing were the matter. 7. The whole division began to go off at a frightful pace. 8. He was the son of a farrier, who was working himself to death for his education. 9. We have been waiting for you for more than twenty minutes. 10. I often looked at him, putting out his tongue and leaning on his pen with all his might. 11. As soon as he had finished his work, he used to go out. 12. On that day he went out as soon as he had finished his work. 13. The grotto was so low that we were obliged to go in on all fours. 14. I wonder whether I shall ever succeed in teaching him anything. 15. Do you know what has become of my letter?
XI (pp. 51—55)
1. How can you hope to find anything good at the rate of seventy-five francs a term? 2. How dreadful it is to see snares everywhere and to be always on the alert! 3. Were I to live a hundred years, I should never forget all I suffered. 4. You may accept if you like, but I do not see what you will gain by it. 5. It seems that at the last moment he has changed his mind. 6. The windows of the dining-room looked out on to the garden. 7. The head master spoke little, and in a curt, gruff voice. 8. There was not one street in the town that he did not know. 9. I have a mind to go, and I will go, come what may. 10. I had been told that his library contained more than two thousand volumes, and I had no doubt but that I should find there the book I wanted. 11. My neighbour was sitting astride a low chair, with his legs stretched out. 12. I at length succeeded in explaining as well as I could the object of my visit. 13. Mind you don’t spoil my book, or I’ll cut off your ears! 14. They might just as well have finished whilst they were at it.
XII (pp. 56—60)
1. You must redouble your efforts, or else you will never pull through. 2. When you want any books, you will only have to come and take them. 3. Tell him that he can believe me, for I have been through it all. 4. Thereupon he resumed his reading and let me go out without even looking at me. 5. I had entered without anyone suspecting my presence. 6. At last the appointed day came, and it was high time, for I could stand it no longer. 7. Stretched out in his arm-chair, he was listening to his neighbours with an absent-minded air. 8. A few bald gentlemen were mopping their heads with flame-coloured silk handkerchiefs. 9. As soon as he had finished his speech, there was a general uproar. 10. “Which way must we go?”—“Come this way.” 11. Do not allow yourself to be so easily discouraged. 12. The children had gone bird-catching with a bird-call. 13. Being quite alone, I spent nearly all my time reading. 14. As usual he answered “Thank you!” without taking his eyes off his book. 15. The little patient dreamt of it every night, he could sleep no longer for it.
XIII (pp. 61—65)
1. He lost his head, and added in a trembling voice: “I thank you for all your kindness to me.” 2. I promise you that it shall be done without fail not later than to-morrow. 3. At last, in utter despair, he made up his mind to write to them. 4. Prepare your letter beforehand and hand it over to him as soon as he arrives. 5. Nobody came on that day, or on the next either. 6. To crown our misfortunes, it soon began to snow. 7. How short the holidays have been this summer! 8. The whole house was being repaired from top to bottom. 9. Here he comes; you must mind your p’s and q’s. 10. Neither the masters nor the pupils felt in the mood for working. 11. After two whole months’ rest, the college found it difficult to resume its ordinary routine. 12. For my own part illness had made me unable to bear anything. 13. We no longer had any ammunition to fight the rioters with. 14. Sometimes, as a last resource, I called my neighbour to my aid. 15. They were all so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop. 16. It was evident that I had an awkward customer to deal with.
XIV (pp. 66—70)
1. I soon saw that I was getting involved in a nasty business. 2. You should have seen the air he put on in answering me. 3. I raised my arm as if to seize him by the coat-collar. 4. All the spectators at once clapped their hands. 5. Just fancy! the marquess brought to his senses by this slip of an usher! 6. My friend has not yet arrived, but I expect him every moment. 7. I was beginning to think that I should get off with a good fright. 8. What penalty do you think it your duty to inflict upon him? 9. The child had been confined to his bed for the last three days. 10. You do not know what sort of man you have to deal with. 11. During this fine speech we were all laughing in our sleeves. 12. I might have answered, but took good care not to. 13. When they were hard up for something more to say, they at last retired. 14. The interesting victim was made to repeat his story twenty times running. 15. It would have been much better for me to have been dismissed at once.
XV (pp. 71—75)
1. I should pity him more if he did not complain so often. 2. Although it was spring, a good deal of snow had fallen during the night 3. Even if (_do not use ‘si’_) they had utterly demolished the house I should not have noticed it. 4. I was far from suspecting that they had been in England for the last fortnight. 5. Taking everything into account, I hope I shall be able to send you something from time to time out of my savings. 6. What a beautiful town Paris is! 7. Here at any rate it is not always foggy as in Lyons. 8. I had come to that part of the letter when I suddenly heard a dull noise. 9. In the playground the children were shouting at the top of their voices. 10. Why do you not want us to mention it to them? 11. A monotonous plain stretched as far as the eye could see. 12. I was longing to be alone in my room. 13. We have not seen them yet, but they will not be long in coming. 14. I began to go up the stairs four steps at a time. 15. The new secretary was beside himself with joy.
XVI (pp. 76—80)
1. Before going in, I stopped an instant to recover my breath. 2. The head master in his dressing-gown was standing near him, with his velvet cap in his hand. 3. I did not know what it was all about, but on hearing these words I blushed for shame. 4. Turning to me, he took from the mantel-piece a little bundle of papers I had not yet noticed. 5. Instead of answering him, he hung down his head and remained silent. 6. One word might have exculpated me, but that word I did not utter. 7. I was ready to suffer anything rather than betray my friend. 8. It is half-past ten already; they must have missed the train. 9. All my courage suddenly failed me, and, without saying a word, I hurriedly went out. 10. I saw his face brighten as I spoke. 11. “Listen to this before I go,” said he in a low voice. 12. You must promise me to write to them when everything is over. 13. When I was in the army, I vowed that, if ever I came to be drummed out, I would not survive my dishonour. 14. I would rather lose my situation than be the cause of his death. 15. The very least we can do is to wait till the last moment before coming to such a decision.
XVII (pp. 81—85)
1. If the poor man happened to die, what would become of his children? 2. Did you not tell me that you would come as soon as you had finished? 3. I assure you that it is no laughing-matter. 4. The children were so glad that they could not stand still (_use the word ‘place’_). 5. You must have dropped the letter without noticing it. 6. Whatever could they be doing down there in such weather? 7. I rushed in the direction of the town, in search of my friend. 8. Considering the rate at which he was walking, he must have covered the ground in less than a quarter of an hour. 9. I was afraid that, in spite of his promise, he had already gone out. 10. Let us drink the stirrup-cup before you go. 11. I hope (_use a conjunction instead of a verb_) that you will arrive in time! 12. It was sad enough (_do not use ‘assez’_) to make one weep. 13. When I approached, they were all dying with laughter. 14. Feeling he was going to hear something extraordinary, he advanced without being seen by anybody. 15. Then it was that I learnt what cowards men can be! 16. The orator’s gestures must have been very comical, judging by the transports of the audience.
XVIII (pp. 86—90)
1. I shuddered, and my ears tingled. 2. The little girl’s mother had been dead for more than six months. 3. I could stand it no longer, and, without caring whether anyone could see me, I rushed through the garden. 4. Where was he to find the money he wanted? He felt he was done for. 5. I got up, and, with the resolute step of a man who has just come to an irrevocable decision, I went back to the station. 6. When you receive this letter your poor brother will be dead. 7. There is a good deal more I could say to you, but I have no time. 8. Tell them that he fell from the top of a cliff, or else that he was drowned whilst skating. 9. I beg your pardon for all the trouble I am giving you. 10. When you come to the bridge, apply to the first person you meet. 11. The usher walked up and down until everybody was asleep. 12. Some one was stealing slowly along under cover of the walls. 13. A moonbeam was shining full upon the big iron ring. 14. I have been doing nothing but think of it for hours. 15. Taking the old stool, he got up on it and made a slip knot.
XIX (pp. 91—95)
1. That’s a queer idea, to practise on the trapeze at this time of night! 2. Come up to my rooms; there is a fire there, and it is very comfortable. 3. My friend has been dismissed, which, by the way, is a great stroke of luck for him. 4. If you take my advice, you will start at once, without waiting till your week’s notice is up. 5. I myself will lend you the money that you wanted to borrow from that scoundrel. 6. Now not one word more! I do not want you to thank me. 7. “How comfortable I am here!” he said, opening his eyes. 8. As soon as I began to thank him, he literally turned me out of doors. 9. The boys were not yet in the playground by the time I was already working hard in my room. 10. The good man was busy counting gold coins, which he carefully put in a row in little heaps. 11. My brother has not to draw lots for six years, and who knows what may happen between now and then? 12. I am much afraid you will be a child all your life. 13. What confidence can you have in him, half mad as he is? 14. Have you not your seat to book? Make haste, or you will be late. 15. The abbé could not help casting a glance round the room, and what he saw made him shudder.
XX (pp. 96—103)
1. I really thought that they were going to seize me by the throat. 2. The two scowling faces cheered up as if by magic. 3. When they had pocketed my money, they launched out into protestations of friendship. 4. Do not allow yourself to be taken in by those compliments. 5. The more affable they showed themselves, the more they disgusted me. 6. What a pity you did not arrive in time to see them! 7. Those who are not satisfied will only have to come and tell me. 8. I looked around me for a long time, as if to carry away in my mind the image of the place I was never to see again. 9. Drawing the keys out from under my coat, I threw them down the well with all my might. 10. I should have liked to enjoy the sight a little longer, but I did not want the coach to start without me. 11. It is still too early for you to receive an answer. 12. For about twenty years he had been spending his time colouring illustrated newspapers. 13. Ah! the old fool! You should have seen with what a confident look he used to say that! 14. All these details about his uncle I only learnt afterwards. 15. As soon as I went into the house, I saw that, whatever she might say, my mother was not happy. 16. On hearing that I had a good situation, he opened his eyes wide. 17. The joy of seeing her son again had taken away the poor woman’s appetite. 18. It is said that they have barely enough to live upon. 19. If only (_do not use ‘seulement’_) I could have spoken to him unreservedly! but we were not left alone one minute. 20. The moment for his departure came without their having been able to say anything to each other.
IV. PASSAGES FOR TRANSLATION INTO FRENCH
I
When I think over my own expensive education, I can see quite clearly that the years which came between my departure from the school-room at home and the time I got into the top form at school were elaborately wasted. My time was mainly taken up with grammar, endless Latin proses, and verses that were not poetry; none of which exercises did me the slightest good. I forgot the grammar as soon as I conveniently could; I could never do Latin prose till I had read great chunks of Latin authors, or verses till I had studied the poets; and these accomplishments came to me by imitation and not by rules. Mean-while my imagination was simply starved. And yet there is so much in English literature to stimulate the imagination of children!—I know that from my pre-school experience; and I believe nearly all children have some imagination to start with, before it is smothered under the verbs in -μι. Fortunately I was not a conscientious or hard-working boy, and so I escaped the mental paralysis which overtook some of my worthier companions.—From G. F. BRADLY’S _Dick_.
II
Daudet is naturally an optimist, and that spontaneous optimism is his distinctive mark among all the novelists of the contemporary school. There are characters in his works quite as depraved as those in Flaubert and in Zola. But from the way in which he describes them one feels that he despises their ignominy, and that he is indignant at their baseness. Now the pessimist, in whose eyes baseness and ignominy are the very essence of man, is no longer capable of indignation or contempt. Nearly always Daudet’s books present to us, if only incidentally, some favourite character which does credit to humanity. Out-and-out pessimists accuse him of distorting human nature by attributing to it imaginary graces and virtues: but does not their unbending pessimism distort it in another direction by showing to us, under the pretext of being truthful, only its meannesses and its horrors?—From PELLISSIER, _Le Mouvement littéraire au XIXe siècle_.
III
Doctor Strong’s was an excellent school: as different from Mr. Creakle’s as good is from evil. It was very gravely and decorously ordered, and on a sound system with an appeal, in everything, to the honour and good faith of the boys, and an avowed intention to rely on their possession of those qualities, unless they proved unworthy of it, which worked wonders. We all felt we had a part in the management of the place, and in sustaining its character and dignity. Hence we soon became warmly attached to it, and learned with a good will, desiring to do it credit. We had noble games out of hours, and plenty of liberty; but even then, as I remember, we were well spoken of in the town, and rarely did any disgrace, by our appearance or manner, to the reputation of Doctor Strong and Doctor Strong’s boys. The Doctor himself was the idol of the whole school; and it must have been a badly composed school if he had been anything else, for he was the kindest of men; with a simple faith in him that might have touched the stone hearts of the very urns upon the wall. —From DICKENS’S _David Copperfield_.
IV
His style, created from moment to moment, subordinates the form of the language to the need of expressing the immediate sensation in its original vividness. He multiplies ellipses, anastrophes, words unexpectedly connected; he takes from every vocabulary its most expressive terms; he models himself upon the very appearance of things as they are; he knows no other rhythm than that of successive impressions. He is perpetually on the move. His agility occasionally seems a little feverish. We feel some anxiety; we are afraid that the sentence may not find its balance. A few lines from his works can be recognized at a glance, for he has only had clumsy imitators, his style being, moreover, in the language of Montaigne, of one substance with the author, being the author himself. And yet one could hardly say that this style breaks with tradition. He stops short just at the point at which his idiosyncrasies would degenerate into faults.—From PETIT DE JULLEVILLE, _Histoire de la littérature française_, vol. viii.
V
But the pupils — the young noblemen! Pale and haggard faces, lank and bony figures, children with countenances of old men, deformities with irons upon their limbs, boys of stunted growth, and others whose long meagre legs would hardly bear the stooping bodies, all crowded on the view together. There was every ugliness or distortion that told of unnatural aversion conceived by parents for their offspring, or of young lives which, from the earliest dawn of infancy, had been one horrible endurance of cruelty and neglect. There were little faces which should have been handsome, darkened with the scowl of sullen, dogged suffering. There was childhood with the light of its eye quenched, its beauty gone, and its helplessness alone remaining; there were vicious-faced boys, brooding, with leaden eyes, like malefactors in jail; and there were young creatures on whom the sins of their frail parents had descended, weeping even for the mercenary nurses they had known, and lonesome even in their loneliness. With every kindly sympathy and affection blasted in its birth, with every young and healthy feeling flogged and starved down, with every revengeful passion that can fester in swollen hearts, eating its evil way to their core in silence, what an incipient Hell was breeding here!—From DICKENS’S _Nicholas Nickleby_.
VI
It is not only his nerves which are sensitive, it is also his heart, and the keenness of his sensations is equalled by that of his sympathies. He is interested in his characters, and it is by loving them that he makes us love them. If the figures he paints give us a life-like impression, it is because they lived not only in his imagination but also in his heart.… Daudet can feel in his heart that love which Dickens felt towards those who are ill-favoured or poor. His favourite heroes are especially those who are sensitive, and who are made wretched by their sensitiveness. In order to create _Jack_ he left the _Nabab_, which he had already begun, and wrote in less than a year that book which is at the same time tender and cruel, but in which cruelty is only another form of tenderness, and which so oppressed the heart of George Sand that after reading it she, the indefatigable worker, remained for three whole days without being able to produce anything at all.—From PELLISSIER, _Le Mouvement littéraire au XIXe siècle_.
VII
It was not very large certainly, being about six feet long by four broad. It could not be called light, as there were bars and a grating to the window. But it was uncommonly comfortable to look at. The space under the window at the farther end was occupied by a square table covered with a reasonably clean and whole red and blue tablecloth; a hard-seated sofa covered with red stuff occupied one side; and a good stout wooden chair afforded a seat for another boy, so that three could sit and work together. Over the door were a row of hat-pegs, and on each side book-cases with cupboards at the bottom; shelves and cupboards being filled indiscriminately with school-books, a cup or two, a mouse-trap and brass candlesticks, leather straps, and some curious-looking articles which puzzled Tom not a little, until his friend explained that they were climbing-irons, and showed their use. A cricket-bat and small fishing-rod stood up in one corner.—From HUGHES’S _Tom Brown’s School-days_.
VIII
Daudet’s imagination does not consist in the invention of facts or characters: he pictures to himself with extraordinary vividness what has passed before his eyes. Though they are marvellously real, his scenes have not that precise and strict perfection which Flaubert used to give to his. He catches in mid-flight the faintest details and holds fast their very movement. The vibration is still there, and one can feel the tremor in the air and the play of the light.
As to his human figures, I question whether Daudet has ever had his equal in the picturesque truthfulness of his portraits, in the capacity of reproducing the expression of a face, an attitude or dress. And it does not follow that, as certain “psychological” writers have hinted, Daudet was deficient in “psychology.” We cannot find in him that cold, pedantic psychology which consists of the authors’s own reflections; and if, to be a “psychologist,” it is necessary to explain minutely every step and every gesture, or to put wearisome commentaries in the place of action, Daudet does not deserve the name. But perhaps there is a distinction to be made between a novel and an anatomical treatise. —From PETIT DE JULLEVILLE, _Hist. de la litt. fr_. vol. viii.
IX
The founders and arbiters of the public-school system who ordained that life in these institutions should be one incessant round of activity from the beginning of term to its end have perhaps proved to be the children of wisdom. To a healthy boy who can manage to keep his place in the crowd without undue straining, there is a tonic effect in the absence of leisure; and the sense of being a lively part in a great and ever-moving body is an admirable enemy to stagnation of mind. It is only the special case, the variant from the type, who suffers when he is included in masses that move by rule; and if we are inclined to admit the dangerous premise that any suffering can be good for a young soul, we may cheerfully conclude that the rough process is justified if it turns the variant into a solid, ordinary person; or, if he is a hopeless rebel, at least teaches him that the thorns of life are not tender to him who kicks. —From _The First Round_, by ST. JOHN LUCAS.
X
Much of the influence he gained over his scholars was attributable to his knowledge of the individual characteristics of boys. He is said to have known every boy in the school, his appearance, his habits, and his companions. It cannot be said that he was always genial in manner; the youngest boys especially regarded him with awe, and his own sense of the intense seriousness of life and duty gave a sternness and austerity to his aspect which made many of his pupils afraid of him. His conception of a school was that it should be first of all a place for the formation of character, and next a place for learning and study, as a means for the attainment of this higher end. Discipline and guidance were in his view still more prominently the business of a schoolmaster than the impartation of knowledge. His influence was stimulative rather than formative, the secret of his power consisting not so much in the novelty of his ideas or methods as in his commanding and magnetic personality. —From _Thomas Arnold_, by SIR JOSHUA FITCH.
XI
He was contented, in a dull kind of way, with the even monotony of his days. Life at school, he felt, would be always the same; he would attain no distinctions, but at least he would suffer no violent agonies. If you could not be brilliant and wonderful it was as well to be completely insignificant. Defiant eccentricity led to much discomfort, unless you possessed invincible contempt for ordinary popularity; and the way of the harmless imbecile was hard at a public school. When you were at school all the old standards did seem to alter most strangely. After all, why bother about standards? Why think at all? School was really pleasanter when you did not think but just drifted. Yet, could a place where it was better not to think except about everyday events be really right? All boys were either beasts or worms or geese. The geese were most numerous, and usually followed and applauded the beasts. Oh monstrous, stale, unprofitable world!—From _The First Round_, by ST. JOHN LUCAS.
XII
At present those who pursue philosophy at all are mere striplings just emerged from boyhood, who take it up in the intervals of business; and, after just dipping into the most abstruse part of the study, abandon the pursuit altogether.
And pray what is the right plan?
Just the opposite. In youth and boyhood they ought to be put through a course of instruction carefully suited to their years; and while their bodies are growing up to manhood, especial attention should be paid to them, as a serviceable acquisition in the cause of philosophy. At the approach of that period during which the mind begins to attain its maturity, the mental exercises ought to be rendered more severe. Finally, when their bodily powers begin to fail, and they are released from public duties and military service, from that time forward they ought to consecrate themselves altogether to the study of philosophy, if they are to live happily on earth, and after death to crown the life they have led with a corresponding destiny in another world. —From PLATO’S _Republic_, bk. vi.
V. SUJETS DE RÉDACTION
I
_Le soir, après souper, je relisais mon_ Robinson, _je l’apprenais par cœur; le jour, je le jouais, je le jouais avec rage, et tout ce qui m’entourait, je l’enrôlais dans ma comédie_ (voir p. 6).
ROBINSON SAUVE VENDREDI
1. Un matin, il aperçoit de loin une trentaine de sauvages, qui débarquent dans son Île et allument un grand feu. Ils ont avec eux deux prisonniers, et, pendant qu’ils en tuent un et le découpent pour le faire rôtir, l’autre s’échappe.
2. Trois des sauvages se mettent à sa poursuite, mais il court plus vite qu’eux et gagne une crique, qu’il traverse à la nage. Un de ses ennemis s’arrête, ne sachant pas nager, et les deux autres n’atteignent le bord que longtemps après le fugitif, qui se dirige précisément du côté de Robinson.
3. Celui-ci décide de le sauver, prend son fusil, et, par un raccourci, arrive entre lui et ceux qui le poursuivent. Ne voulant pas faire feu de peur d’attirer l’attention du reste de la troupe, il s’élance sur le plus proche et l’abat d’un coup de crosse.
4. L’autre se dispose à lui décocher one flèche. Il se résout alors à tirer, et le tue. Stupéfaction du fugitif; façon dont il exprime sa reconnaissance.
5. Robinson le conduit dans sa caverne, lui donne à manger et à boire, et lui fait ensuite signe de se coucher et de dormir. (Placer le récit dans la bouche de Robinson.)
II
— _Mon perroquet, criai-je, mon perroquet!_
— _Il parle donc maintenant? dit Jacques_.
_S’il parlait, je crois bien; on l’entendait d’une lieue_ (voir. p. 12).
LES CAMBRIOLEURS ET LE PERROQUET
1. Dans une villa isolée aux environs de Paris (en faire la description) demeure un vieillard fantasque, qu’on dit fort riche, bien qu’il n’ait pas de domestique.
2. Un cambrioleur, le sachant seul, conçoit le projet de le dévaliser et s’en ouvre à un camarade, qui accepte volontiers de l’aider dans une expédition aussi simple.
3. Les deux bandits s’introduisent la nuit dans le jardin, et pénètrent sans bruit dans la maison.
4. Ils approchent de la chambre du vieillard, lorsque l’un d’eux laisse tomber sa lanterne sourde. Aussitôt une voix perçante crie: “Qui va là?”
5. Se voyant découverts et croyant avoir affaire a forte partie, ils prennent la fuite.
C’est un perroquet qui leur a fait peur!
III
_C’est toujours la même chanson, des larmes et de la misère! les affaires qui ne vont pas, des loyers en retard, des créanciers qui font des scènes, les diamants de la mère vendus, l’argenterie au mont-de-piété_ (voir p. 21).
DAVID COPPERFIELD CHEZ LES MICAWBER
1. Doléances de Mrs. Micawber à l’arrivée de David dans la maison. Elie était bien loin de se douter, avant son mariage, qu’il lui faudrait jamais prendre un locataire, mais que faire dans sa position? Et elle lui explique les difficultés du ménage.
2. Visite d’un créancier brutal; désespoir de Mr. Micawber; son étonnante gaieté une demi-heure après.
3. Un jour, Mrs. Micawber confie à David qu’elle n’a plus un sou et que, pour subvenir aux besoins de la famille, ii ne lui reste qu’un talon de fromage.
4. Il met à sa disposition les deux ou trois schellings qu’il possède, mais elle les refuse avec dignité et le prie de porter une partie de son argenterie chez un prêteur sur gages.
5. David s’acquitte de la commission, et le soir on festine sans souci du lendemain.
IV
— _Monsieur Eyssette, conclut le principal, vous pouvez vous retirer. Pour ce soir encore, il faudra que vous couchiez à l’hôtel.… Soyez ici demain à huit heures_ (voir p. 34).
LE PETIT CHOSE ÉCRIT À SA MÈRE
1. Il vient de voir le principal, qui l’a trouvé bien jeune, mais qui a pourtant consenti à le prendre, grâce à la chaude recommandation du recteur.
2. Son chagrin d’être loin de ses parents, mais sa joie de sentir qu’au lieu d’être une charge pour eux, il gagnera désormais sa vie et pourra bientôt leur venir en aide.
3. Amabilité du recteur, qui lui a promis de ne pas le perdre de vue.
4. Son déjeuner chez la vieille Annou.
5. Son arrivée, le soir, à Sarlande. Rues noires et désertes. Il n’a pu se défendre d’un sentiment de tristesse, mais il va tellement travailler qu’il n’aura pas le temps de s’ennuyer.
V
_Quelquefois, quand ils avaient été bien sages, je leur racontais une histoire.… J’avais composé à leur intention cinq ou six petits contes fantastiques:_ Les Débuts d’une cigale, Les Infortunes de Jean Lapin, _etc_. (voir p. 43).
LE CHAT, LA BELETTE ET LE PETIT LAPIN
Raconter à votre façon la fable suivante de La Fontaine. Du palais d’un jeune lapin Dame belette, un beau matin, S’empara: c’est une rusée. Le maître étant absent, ce lui fut chose aisée. Elle porta chez lui ses pénates, un jour Qu’il était allé faire à l’aurore sa cour Parmi le thym et la rosée. Après qu’il eut brouté, trotté, fait tous ses tours, Jeannot lapin retourne aux souterrains séjours. La belette avait mis le nez à la fenêtre. “O dieux hospitaliers! que vois-je ici paraître! Dit l’animal chassé du paternel logis. Holà! madame la belette, Que l’on déloge sans trompette, Ou je vais avertir tous les rats du pays.” La dame au nez pointu répondit que la terre Était au premier occupant. C’était un beau sujet de guerre Qu’un logis où lui-même il n’entrait qu’en rampant! “Et quand ce serait un royaume, Je voudrais bien savoir, dit-elle, queue loi En a pour toujours fait l’octroi A Jean, fils ou neveu de Pierre ou de Guillaume, Plutôt qu’à Paul, plutôt qu’à moi.” Jean lapin allégua la coutume et l’usage: “Ce sont, dit-il, leurs lois qui m’ont de ce logis Rendu maître et seigneur, et qui, de père en fils, L’ont de Pierre à Simon, puis à moi Jean, transmis. Le premier occupant, est-ce une loi plus sage? — Or bien, sans crier davantage, Rapportons-nous, dit-elle, à Raminagrobis.” C’était un chat vivant comme un dévot ermite, Un chat faisant la chattemite, Un saint homme de chat, bien fourré, gros et gras, Arbitre expert sur tous les cas. Jean lapin pour juge l’agrée. Les voilà tous deux arrivés Devant sa majesté fourrée. Grippeminaud leur dit: “Mes enfants, approchez, Approchez; je suis sourd, les ans en sont la cause.” L’un et l’autre approcha, ne craignant nulle chose. Aussitôt qu’à portée il vit les contestants, Grippeminaud, le bon apôtre, Jetant des deux côtés la griffe en même temps, Mit les plaideurs d’accord en croquant l’un et l’autre.
Ceci ressemble fort aux débats qu’ont parfois Les petits souverains se rapportant aux rois.
VI
_Le petit Chose rêve aux yeux noirs toutes les nuits, il n’en dort plus_ (voir p. 60).
UN RÊVE
1. Les yeux noirs habitent, libres et heureux, dans un grand château avec leurs parents, dont ils sont toute la joie.
2. Arrive l’horrible fée aux lunettes, qui les force à la suivre, les retient prisonniers au collège de Sarlande et les fait coudre d’un bout de l’année à l’autre.
3. Désespoir des parents; leurs recherches inutiles. Ils finissent par annoncer qu’ils donneront leur fille en mariage à celui qui la leur rendra.
4. Le petit Chose délivre les yeux noirs et les ramène au château. Grandes réjouissances.
5. La mère informe sa fille de la promesse qu’on a faite de sa main. Celle-ci rougit et avoue tout bas qu’elle aimait déjà son libérateur avant qu’il la délivrât.
VII
_Quand il entrait dans l’étude brusquement, ses clefs à la main, c’était comme une pierre dans un étang de grenouilles_ (voir p. 65).
LE LIÈVRE ET LES GRENOUILLES
1. Une belle matinée d’été à la campagne. Sur la lisière d’un bois s’arrête un lièvre, l’oreille au guet.
2. Est-il un être plus malheureux que lui? se dit-il. Son naturel craintif l’empêche de jouir de l’existence; toujours inquiet, il n’ose même pas fermer les yeux pour dormir.
3. Pendant qu’il songe ainsi, une abeille vient à passer. Son bourdonnement soudain lui fait peur, et il détale pour gagner son gîte.
4. Il passe en courant sur le bord d’un étang, où une douzaine de grenouilles se reposent dans l’herbe. A sa vue, saisies d’effroi, elles se précipitent dans l’eau.
5. Rentré chez lui, le lièvre se félicite de les avoir épouvantées. Il ne se trouve plus si malheureux à la pensée que lui aussi en fait trembler d’autres.
VIII
_Vingt fois de suite on lui faisait raconter son histoire, et à chaque fois le misérable inventait quelque nouveau détail_ (voir p. 70).
BOUCOYRAN RACONTE SON HISTOIRE
1. Portrait fantaisiste du petit Chose.
2. Depuis longtemps en butte à ses persécutions (en citer deux ou trois exemples), Boucoyran ne voulait pas se plaindre, mais l’autre jour il y a bien été forcé.
3. Une boulette de papier mâché était venue s’aplatir contre la chaire. Accusé de l’avoir lancée et sommé de prendre ses livres et de sortir, il a poliment répondu qu’il n’avait rien fait, et tous les élèves ont déclaré que ce n’était pas lui qui avait lancé la boulette.
4. Alors, furieux, le tyran s’est rué sur lui et l’a traîné jusque dans la cour, où il l’a presque assassiné (donner des détails).
5. Boucoyran aurait aisément pu se défendre, mais il a préféré n’en rien faire pour laisser tous les torts à son bourreau, et s’il souffre encore des coups qu’il a reçus, il se réjouit d’avoir, pan sa patience, démasqué le traître, qui n’osera plus en donner à personne.
IX
_Heureusement je pensai à Jacques; quelle bonne idée sa lettre avait eue d’arriver précisément le matin!_ (voir p. 81).
MADAME EYSSETTE AU PETIT CHOSE
Vous supposerez que l’après-midi le petit Chose reçoit une autre lettre, cette fois de sa mère.
1. Madame Eyssette a cru s’apercevoir que la gaieté de sa dernière lettre était factice, et elle craint qu’il ne soit au fond très malheureux. Qu’il lui dise la vérité, cela le soulagera.
2. Elle le plaint de tout son cœur, mais qu’il ne se décourage pas. Grâce à son travail acharné, il pourra dans deux on trois ans passer l’examen qui lui permettra d’être professeur.
3. Son frère Jacques est à Paris et parait très content. Détails sur son départ, la position qu’il a trouvée et son ambition littéraire.
4. Quant à son père, il est toujours en voyage pour le compte d’une compagnie, de sorte qu’elle est maintenant toute seule. Cette solitude lui pèse, mais elle va écrire à l’oncle Baptiste pour lui demander de la recevoir chez lui pendant quelques mois.
5. Les voilà donc tous dispersés, mais elle espère que la Providence récompensera leurs efforts et qu’ils pourront avant longtemps reconstruire le foyer.
X
_Si l’étude me parut longue, je n’ai pas besoin de vous le dire_ (voir p. 93).
LE PETIT CHOSE À SON FRÈRE
Pour abréger la longueur de l’étude, le petit Chose écrit à son frère Jacques.
1. Plaisir que lui a causé sa lettre. Il le félicite chaudement d’avoir si bien réussi.
2. La description qu’il lui fait de sa chambre l’a ravi, et il saura bientôt s’il ne l’a pas trop embellie avec son imagination de poète, car il va partir lui aussi pour Paris et lui demander l’hospitalité!
3. Ce n’est pas là une plaisanterie, il part le jour même. Impossible de rester plus longtemps au collège. Il lui est arrivé une terrible histoire, qu’il lui contera de vive voix.
4. Dans un accès de désespoir, il a même voulu se tuer! L’abbé Germane, dont il lui a déjà parlé, est arrivé juste à temps pour l’en empêcher.
5. C’est au bon abbé qu’il a emprunté l’argent pour le voyage. Il lui a promis de tâcher d’être un homme, et il entend tenir sa promesse. Il rougit maintenant de sa lâcheté et se sent plein de courage.
End of Project Gutenberg's Le Petit Chose (part 1), by Alphonse Daudet