C. Thème

1. They told Mérimée at Perpignan that M. de Peyrehorade had found a statue in the ground. 2. When the Parisian reached Ille, M. de Peyrehorade presented him to his son, a tall young man of twenty-six. 3. Both feared that Mérimée would be very uncomfortable in Ille, but he was not hard to please. 4. “You must learn to know Roussillon,” said Peyrehorade, “and you must celebrate the wedding with us.” 5. “Ah, you mean your son’s marriage,” said Mérimée. 6. “Yes,” replied Peyrehorade, “it will take place the day after tomorrow. 7. It is a pity that there will be no ball. 8. But, instead of that, I will show you something — a great surprise. 9. It is a question of my statue; you will tell my son whether I am right in thinking it a masterpiece.” 10. Peyrehorade feared that Mérimée would ridicule his statue.