In the Family Circle

Wouldn't you be all out of breath and perspiring if you had hurried as much as I? Where is the water? That is what I want. My dear, don't drink so much ice water. You will hurt yourself.

It is always like that when I want to come home early. I had just left the office when I met your good-for-nothing cousin. Why doesn't he stay home ? Naturally, I had to stop and chat with him. As always, he began a long story, and while he was talking I saw my train leave. Unfortunately, it was the last one,1 and so I had to walk. I couldn't do otherwise for there were no cabs at the station.

I am glad that you didn't 2 wait for the evening train. What a man ! Good heavens ! I assure you that he will never see me again when I am 3 in a hurry. My dear, you will not be angry at him for 1 a long time. I know you. You will forget it in a week. Never ! Look at me. Here I am so tired that I can't eat my supper. I thank you very much. Don't mention it.

We intended to tease you this evening, Mr. Dupont, but you have had so many vexations to-day that we shall change our plans. Think of it ! We have been waiting 4 for you since six o'clock. However, we are getting accustomed to it. Therefore, we pardon you cheerfully.

I wanted to introduce you to two friends of Mr. Chaland. Where are they? I am going upstairs to see them. They will come down immediately. August wrote me in his last letter that he could not come to Paris this summer. He said that his wife was sick. How are you now? Much better, thanks.

Do these young Americans speak French? Yes, and very fluently. I did not notice any accent when they were speaking to me. You will be astonished, too. They ought to speak

1 Omit. 2 Subjunctive. 3 Future..

4 See Grammar Review, Section 8o.