"After all, father," said he; "you are the cleverest; you understand
things and foresee them. Even if Gregoire were within his rights in
bringing an action against Gervais, it would be idiotic for him to do so,
because far above any petty private interest, there is the interest of
all of us, the interest of the family, which is to remain, united,
compact, and unattackable, if it desires to continue invincible. Our
sovereign strength lies in our union--And so it's simple enough. We will
lunch as quickly as possible and take the first train. We shall go, Denis
and I, to Chantebled with you. Peace must be concluded this evening. I
will see to it."
Laughing, and well pleased to find his own feelings shared by his two
sons, Mathieu returned Ambroise's embrace. And while waiting for lunch to
be served, they went down to see the winter garden, which was being
enlarged for some fetes which Ambroise wished to give. He took pleasure
in adding to the magnificence of the mansion, and in reigning there with
princely pomp. At lunch he apologized for only offering his father and
brother a bachelor's pot-luck, though, truth to tell, the fare was
excellent.
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