monde. Note the pun on monde. Normally when we speak

NOTES

of “ this world and the other,” we mean life and death; but in this instance the old world and the new are intended.

Page 17. — 2. sur pied. This unusual expression has nonplussed Pontbichet. We frequently speak of “ standing timber,” but never of “ standing wine.” Dardard means, of course, as he explains, the uncut grape which is still on the vine, or which at least has just been gathered (la récolte).

5-6. neuf étoiles. In France various brands of cognac and other wines have their quality denoted by stars. Deux étoiles brand is the cheapest, which is followed by trois étoiles rouge, trois étoiles d'argent, trois étoiles d'or, the last named being the finest. True to the Gascon type, Dardard has his wine better than the best; for the best being only trois étoiles, his is three times better, as it is neuf étoiles.

17. étoilé. Remember the preceding note and translate accordingly.

18. qu’eussiez-vous. This is very formal and literary for qu' auriez-vous. It will be noticed that Pontbichet uses the regular form and does not say j'eusse in reply.

21-22. Champenois. An inhabitant of the old province of Champagne. It is to be remembered that both Bordeaux and Champagne are quite famous for their wines.

23. Courbevoie. This is a small city in the department of the Seine.