proceedings came to an end, the papers were signed, and Julien was regularly invested with his rights.  But the tiresome formalities were not yet over:  he had to invite the three officials to breakfast.  This event, however, had been foreseen by Manette.  Since early morning she had been busy preparing a bountiful repast, and had even called Julien de Buxieres aside in order to instruct him in the hospitable duties which his position and the customs of society imposed upon him.

As they entered the dining-room, young de Buxieres noticed that covers were laid for five people; he began to wonder who the fifth guest could be, when an accidental remark of the clerk showed him that the unknown was no other than Claudet.  The fact was that Manette could not bear the idea that her son, who had always sat at table with the late Claude de Buxieres, should be consigned to the kitchen in presence of these distinguished visitors from Auberive, and had deliberately laid a place for him at the master’s table, hoping that the latter would not dare put any public affront upon Claudet.  She was not mistaken in her idea.  Julien, anxious to show a conciliatory spirit, and making an effort to quell his own repugnance, approached the ‘grand chasserot’, who was standing at one side by himself, and invited him to take his seat at the table.

“Thank you,” replied Claudet, coldly, “I have breakfasted.”  So saying, he turned his back on M. de Buxieres, who returned to the hall, vexed and disconcerted.

The repast was abundant, and seemed of interminable length to Julien.  The three guests, whose appetites had been sharpened by their morning exercise, did honor to Madame Sejournant’s cooking; they took their wine without water, and began gradually to thaw under the influence of their host’s good Burgundy; evincing their increased liveliness by the exchange of heavy country witticisms, or relating noisy and interminable stories of their hunting adventures.  Their conversation was very trying to Julien’s nerves.  Nevertheless, he endeavored to fulfil his duties as master of the house, throwing in a word now and then, so as to appear interested in their gossip, but he ate hardly a mouthful.  His features had a pinched expression, and every now and then he caught himself trying to smother a yawn.  His companions at the table could not understand a young man of twenty-eight years who drank nothing but water, scorned all enjoyment in eating, and only laughed forcedly under compulsion.  At last, disturbed by the continued taciturnity of their host, they rose from the table sooner than their wont, and prepared to take leave.  Before their departure, Arbillot the notary, passed his arm familiarly through that of Julien and led him into an adjoining room, which served as billiard-hall and library.