THE BONANCIEUX HOUSEHOLD.
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was, moreover, young, handsome, and adventurous; and he talked of love like one who loved, and is eager to be loved in return. All this was more than enough to turn a heart of twenty -three years of age; and Madame Bonancieux had just arrived at that period of her life. The happy married couple, although they had not met for more than eight days, and during that time some grave events had happened, addressed each other with Nevertheless, M. a certain preoccupation of mind. Bonancieux manifested sincere joy, and advanced towards his wife with open arms. Madame Bonancieux offered her forehead to be kissed. " Let us have a little talk," said she. " What " said the astonished Bonancieux. "Yes, certainly. I have something of the greatest importance to tell you." " Really and I have some questions of importance Explain to me your abduction, I beg to put to you. of you." " That is of no consequence just now," said Madame Bonancieux. " And what is this affair of consequence, then ? Is it !
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imprisonment ? I heard of that on the same day ; but, as you were guilty of no crime, as you were connected with no intrigue, and as you knew nothing that could compromise you, I only attached to that event the importance which it merited." " You speak of it with little concern, madame," replied Bonancieux. hurt at the slight interest which his wife " Do you not know that I was manifested in him. incarcerated for one day and one night in a dungeon of about "
the Bastile? u night and a day are soon passed. But let us have done with your captivity, and return to the object of my return to you." " What the object of your return to me Then >s it
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