Household happenings constituted the only data to
which in later years they often referred. Thus, in 1825, workmen
painted the vestibule; in 1827, a portion of the roof almost
killed a man by falling into the yard. In the summer of 1828, it
was Madame's turn to offer the hallowed bread; at that time,
Bourais disappeared mysteriously; and the old acquaintances,
Guyot, Liebard, Madame Lechaptois, Robelin, old Gremanville,
paralysed since a long time, passed away one by one. One night,
the driver of the mail in Pont-l'Eveque announced the Revolution
of July. A few days afterward a new sub-prefect was nominated, the
Baron de Larsonniere, ex-consul in America, who, besides his wife,
had his sister-in-law and her three grown daughters with him. They
were often seen on their lawn, dressed in loose blouses, and they
had a parrot and a negro servant. Madame Aubain received a call,
which she returned promptly. As soon as she caught sight of them,
Felicite would run and notify her mistress. But only one thing was
capable of arousing her: a letter from her son.
He could not follow any profession as he was absorbed in drinking.
His mother paid his debts and he made fresh ones; and the sighs
that she heaved while she knitted at the window reached the ears
of Felicite who was spinning in the kitchen.
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