This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 edition. Excerpt: ...uncle, Gustave sat up, forgetting that he was only half undressed. The colonel caught sight of Gustave's trousers and did not doubt that an attempt had been made to dupe him with fresh lies; to learn the truth, he ran to the closet, notwithstanding his nephew's entreaties, and tried to open it; but it was ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 edition. Excerpt: ...uncle, Gustave sat up, forgetting that he was only half undressed. The colonel caught sight of Gustave's trousers and did not doubt that an attempt had been made to dupe him with fresh lies; to learn the truth, he ran to the closet, notwithstanding his nephew's entreaties, and tried to open it; but it was locked from inside. "Aha!" exclaimed the colonel, " That is probably M. Olivier's charwoman hunting for her reticule in the closet! I am anxious to make the acquaintance of that poor Fanchette; and, I'll answer for it, she won't go out without myseeing her, even if I have to stay here till tomorrow." This threat terrified the young women, who were suffocating shut up in the little closet. Several times already, the little neighbor, who had emptied her bottle of eau de cologne while Lise was relieving her colic, had wanted to go out; but the little laundress had always restrained her companion by drawing a dreadful portrait of Gustave's uncle, and exaggerating the dangers they would run in exposing themselves to his anger. The shame of being discovered held back the little pearl embroideress, and fear fortified Lise's resolution. However, they were both exceedingly ill at ease when Gustave, who understood the discomfort of their situation, generously sacrificed himself for them. He got up, and put on his coat, waistcoat and cravat in a moment; and approaching his uncle, announced that he was ready to follow him. "Ah! you rogue," said the colonel, " so you are cured of your fever." "Uncle, I expose myself to everything, to your anger, as you see; but it is for the sake of two interesting, charming and innocent women who cannot find it very amusing in that closet. I sacrifice myself for them; I attend...
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