The Bourgeois, however, felt it incumbent upon himself to express
his deep thanks for the honor done his house on this auspicious
occasion. And he remarked that the doors of Belmont, so long closed
by reason of the absence of Pierre, would hereafter be ever open to
welcome all his friends. He had that day made a gift of Belmont,
with all its belongings, to Pierre, and he hoped,--the Bourgeois
smiled as he said this, but he would not look in a quarter where his
words struck home,--he hoped that some one of Quebec's fair
daughters would assist Pierre in the menage of his home and enable
him to do honor to his housekeeping.
Immense was the applause that followed the short, pithy speech of
the Bourgeois. The ladies blushed and praised, the gentlemen
cheered and enjoyed in anticipation the renewal of the old
hospitalities of Belmont.
"The skies are raining plum cakes!" exclaimed the Chevalier La Corne
to his lively companion. "Joy's golden drops are only distilled in
the alembic of woman's heart! What think you, Hortense? Which of
Quebec's fair daughters will be willing to share Belmont with
Pierre?"
"Oh, any of them would!" replied she.
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