Then with his affectionate, sensible air, he began to laugh.
"You are right; I have been dreaming and talking wildly," he replied. "I
am not yet so ambitious as to wish to be King of Chantebled. But there is
truth in what I have said to you; and, besides, what harm can there be in
dreaming of great plans to give oneself faith and courage? Meantime I
intend to try cultivating just a few acres, which Seguin will no doubt
sell me cheaply enough, together with the little pavilion in which we
live. I know that the unproductiveness of the estate weighs on him. And,
later on, we shall see if the earth is disposed to love us and come to us
as we go to her. Ah well, my dear, give that little glutton plenty of
life, and you, my darlings, eat and drink and grow in strength, for the
earth belongs to those who are healthy and numerous."
Blaise and Denis made answer by taking some fresh slices of
bread-and-butter, while Rose drained the mug of wine and water which
Ambroise handed her. And Marianne sat there like the symbol of blossoming
Fruitfulness, the source of vigor and conquest, while Gervais heartily
nursed on. He pulled so hard, indeed, that one could hear the sound of
his lips.
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