_Gaston_--The deuce, my dear father-in-law. A family council! You
embarrass me!

_Poirier_--Not at all, dear Gaston. Let us sit down.

[_They seat themselves around the fireplace_.]

_Gaston_--Begin, Monsieur Poirier.

_Poirier_--You say you are happy, dear Gaston, and that is my greatest
recompense.

_Gaston_--I'm willing to double your gratification.

_Poirier_--But now that three months have been given to the joys of the
honeymoon, I think that there has been romance enough, and that it's
time to think about history.

_Gaston_--You talk like a book. Certainly, we'll think about history if
you wish. I'm willing.

_Poirier_--What do you intend to do?

_Gaston_--To-day?

_Poirier_--And to-morrow, and in the future. You must have some idea.

_Gaston_--True, my plans are made. I expect to do to-day what I did
yesterday, and to-morrow what I shall do to-day. I'm not versatile, in