parents. Translate carefully

23. a doter des rosières, ‘ in portioning girls who get goodconduct prizes,* lit. ‘ rose-girls.’ By an old custom» attributed to St. Médard, Bishop of Noyon (sixth century), the best-behaved girl in the village was presented with a wreath of roses, and also with a gift of money as a dowry. It is said still to exist at Salency and Nanterre. Paul implies that he spent his money in a less unselfish fasliion.

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3. Saint Vincent de Paul (born 1576), à national hero-saint of the French, remarkable for his extreme dévotion and generosity. Paul would not disguise himself as a St. Vincent de Paul, i.e. would not pass himself off as a Saint Vincent de Paul.

6. Vous voila bien avancé. This phrase is always ironical. ‘ You see what it has brought you to.*

14:. veux bien, ‘ don*t mind.* Bien in this case loeahens rather tban strengthens the verb. Contrast je le veux, ‘ I insist on it,* with je veux bien, ‘ I hâve no objection.*

22. je me suis arrêté net. Say ‘I came to a dead stop.* Pronounce the t of net, as in dot, chut, above.

La Oigale chez les Fourmis.