158 



GOLDEN DAYS 



from the kitchen. Monsieur Boniface's 

 manner was impressive. 



" This," he said, pointing, " is a splendid 

 fish ; I had no idea our Breton waters con- 

 tained such monsters. I estimate it at 

 well over three pounds, and my friend is 

 to be greatly congratulated on siich a 

 capture." We bowed. "Madame," he 

 continued, "we shall eat this fish for 

 dinner, and while you prepare it I will 

 join Monsieur in just one more Pernod." 



Madame and Henri carried off the fish 

 between them. JNIonsieur Boniface's 

 voice waylaid them at the door. 



" Madame, you will fry that fish in the 

 freshest of butter ; but before doing so 

 you will please give him a gold of white 

 wine. No, not a drink, just a goilt, pre- 

 cisely enough, as it were, to anoint him 

 internally and make him merry : after 

 that, Madame, butter, the best of butter." 



