ACT II

28. Expropriatùms. — *.«., "Expropriations pour cause d'uti- Hté publique." The taking possession of pnvate property by government for public purposes. At no time hâve escpropricttions been so fréquent as since 1852. The opening of new streets, new boulevards, by the govemmént of r^apoleon m., bas rendered this an every-day word with Parisians, and a prolific source of income to lawyers, who hâve the talent of getting the lar^est indemnili cation awarded by the experts.

29. S!a^.— Literally, salted; sometimes bitter, keen. Hère it means dear, high-priced. Compare the phrase, " Ce marchand sale bien ce qu'il vend;" that tradesman lays it on pretty thick.

80. Au bais. — i,e., "Au bois de Boulogne." This promenade is to Paris what the Central Park is to New York.

81. Quai attx fleurs, — Flower-market. Formerly called the Marché au quai Desaix; now held on the sidewalk of the Pont Notre Dame and of the Quai Napoléon.

32. Ah! saprédié. — This expression, as well as sapristi, parbleu, corbleii, and many others, are merely softened forms of what were formerly oaths. They hâve now no such force, and may be rendered by any English expletive or exclamation that seems to render the f eelings of the speaker. For their etymology> see Scheler, Dict. Etymologique de la Langue francise,