XVIII.

Yves, Chrysanthème, and little Oyouki have struck up a friendship so

great that it amuses me: I even think, that in my home life, this

intimacy is what affords me the greatest entertainment. They form a

contrast which gives rise to the most absurd jokes, and most

unforeseen situations. He brings into this fragile little paper house,

his sailor's freedom and ease of manner, and his Breton accent; side

by side with these tiny mousmés of affected manners and bird-like

voices, who, small as they are, rule the big fellow as they please;

make him eat with chopsticks; teach him Japanese "_pigeon-vole_,"--and

cheat him, and quarrel, and almost die of laughter over it all.

Certainly he and Chrysanthème take a pleasure in each other's company.

But I remain serenely undisturbed, and cannot imagine that this

little chance doll with whom I play at married life, could possibly

bring a serious trouble between this "brother" and myself.

Madame Chrysanthème(#15335) · 第 29 / 82 题