"
The impertinence of Modeste's speech was heightened by a little air of
contemptuous disdain which she purposely put on, and which fairly
astounded Madame Mignon, Madame Latournelle, and Dumay. As for Madame
Latournelle, she opened her eyes so wide she no longer saw anything.
Butscha, whose alert attention was comparable to that of a spy, looked
at Monsieur Mignon, expecting to see him flush with sudden and violent
indignation.
"A little more, young lady, and you will be wanting in respect for
your father," said the colonel, smiling, and noticing Butscha's look.
"See what it is to spoil one's children!"
"I am your only child," she said saucily.
"Child, indeed," remarked the notary, significantly.
"Monsieur," said Modeste, turning upon him, "my father is delighted to
have me for his governess; he gave me life and I give him knowledge;
he will soon owe me something."
"There seems occasion for it," said Madame Mignon.
"But mademoiselle is right," said Canalis, rising and standing before
the fireplace in one of the finest attitudes of his collection. "God,
in his providence, has given food and clothing to man, but he has not
directly given him art.
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