“Oh, nothing! nothing!” Homais continued. “I merely wished to convey to you, Madame Lefrançois, that I usually live at home like a recluse. Today, however, considering the circumstances, it is necessary⁠—”

“Oh, you’re going down there!” she said contemptuously.

“Yes, I am going,” replied the druggist, astonished. “Am I not a member of the consulting commission?”

Mère Lefrançois looked at him for a few moments, and ended by saying with a smile⁠—

“That’s another pair of shoes! But what does agriculture matter to you? Do you understand anything about it?”