INTRODUCTION VU

attitudes, so to speak, the very intonations of each of the characters he présents to our view. The silently resigned protest of Mrs. Oberlé, the exubérant, unidealistic vitality of Lucienne, the pure, ardent simplicity of Odile Bastian, the imperious frankness, the haughty, arrogant stiffness of Wilhelm von Farnow, are, if not realities of actual observation, at any rate admirable delineations due to the subtlest insight. Even the conversations at Councillor Brausig's table, which, a few months ago, might hâve been suspected of slight exaggeration, hâve received, as it were, f resh endorsement from récent events." (Revue des Deux M ondes y Nov. iS, 1914.)

This work happens to be particularly suited to young readers because of its freedom from the peasant forms of speech which abound in so many of Bazin's stories of the people. Every word and construction, in this novel, is such as the student may make his own without hésitation.

The work has been reduced in length so as to meet the requirements of the classroom, but the abridgment furnishes a complète story, interesting and instructive. The necessary linguistic aid is afforded by the Vocabulary : the young student is apt to pay scant attention to explanations supplied by copions Notes. In a very few instances, where it has seemed imavoidable, the Vocabulary contains références to particular difficulties in the text, and also brief statements of historical or geographical facts. With such assistance, . this f ascinating story can, it is confidently believed, be read with enjoyment and profit.

The editor wishes, in conclusion, to express his indebtedness to his pupils, A. Balfour Brehman, W. Carman Davis, Rowland C. Evans, Jr., and Edgar B. Graves, for valuable assistance in reading the proofs of both Text and Vocabulary.