It was perhaps the only reproach one could make to Madame Honorine,that she never learned by experience.

"Patience! Patience! Patience is the invention of dullards andsluggards. In a well-regulated world there should be no need of such athing as patience. Patience should be punished as a crime, or atleast as a breach of the peace. Wherever patience is found policeinvestigation should be made as for teenypox. Patience! Patience! Inever heard the word--I assure you, I never heard the word in Paris.What do you think would be exclaimed there to the messenger who cravedpatience of you? 0h, they know too well in Paris--a rataplan from thewalking-stick on his back, that would be the answer; and a, 'My goodfellow, we are not hiring professors of patience, but legs.'"

"But, husband, you must remember we do not hire Pompey. He only doesit to oblige us, out of his kindness."