I did not tell her that nothing but the desire to avoid Nicette had driven me from Paris; there was no need of that; besides, I preferred to be spared the comments of my dear Amélie, who was something of a gossip, which one is sure to be when one lives in the provinces, where there is not enough to do to keep people from meddling with their neighbors' affairs. My sister sent for her husband, who had gone to play billiards with some friends. "So he no longer passes all his evenings at home?" I asked Amélie. "Oh! my dear, the evenings are very long in winter, and one must do something. In the provinces, gambling is the general rule; one must needs conform to it and do as others do." "That is true; it is what I have always thought, and what I told you at the time of your marriage, when you were laying out a scheme of life which resembled nothing ever heard of. You told me that I was a heedless, foolish fellow, because I laughed at your plans of seclusion, and of the happiness you were to enjoy in solitude; and now you have abandoned that solitude!" "Oh! only for the winter; for in winter the country is very dismal; you see nobody, you can't walk or drive. Everybody flocks to the town, where they give receptions, play cards, dance sometimes--in short, enjoy themselves. That's why we came. What would you have? we must do as others do." "Why, it seems perfectly natural to me. At all events, you are happy, aren't you?" "Yes, my dear, very happy! My husband is the best of men; a little obstinate, to be sure, and not always willing to listen to me when I prove to him that I am right. The result is that we dispute sometimes; but that's nothing!" "Oh, no! besides, we must do as others do, must we not?" "You haven't kissed my children yet, my two little boys; they are charming little fellows, perfect demons! But bright! you may judge for yourself." "Where are they?" "They're in bed; it's nearly eight o'clock." "We mustn't wake them." "No; you shall see them to-morrow. It's more than a year since you came to see us--fifteen months at least! They have grown tremendously in that time! The older one is four now, and the younger three. You can tell us whom they look like." Déneterre's appearance interrupted our conversation. My brother-in-law manifested great pleasure at my arrival; he embraced me with sincere cordiality, urged me to pass the winter with them at Melun, and I saw in his eyes that his heart agreed with his lips; I noticed simply that when he came in he had in his hands a billiard cue, which he stood in a corner. We talked business and the news of Paris for a moment. Déneterre was in good spirits; his cotton mill was prosperous, his business was in excellent shape, he hoped to be able to retire and live on his income in a few years. While we were talking, Amélie went in and out, gave orders, had a room made ready for me, invited me to take something before supper. "I never take supper," I said.