General Portoret was going to Montreux. He had been going to the same pension for twelve years, ever since his wife died.
M. Alexandre Caisse said the film would be starting in six minutes. It was not the one about the army; it was the one where Fernandel played a ladies’ hairdresser.
Mlle. de Renard’s aunt planned to take her niece on a cruise to Egypt when she felt strong enough.
Mme. Berthe Fourneau and her daughter were travelling to Poland in the footsteps of the Pope.
M. Labarrière knew it was dull and old-fashioned of him, but he loved his country and refused to spend any money outside France.
M. Minazzoli was taking a close friend to Greece and Yugoslavia. He believed in Europe.
M. Alexandre Caisse said sometimes it was hard to get a clear image on the Third Channel. He hoped there would be no interference with the Fernandel, which must be just about starting.
Dr. Volle said he was not likely to see that or any other film. He went to bed every night before ten. He rose every morning before six.
M. Alexandre Caisse said he thought they would all be quite safe if they left, now, together, in a group. (He held the door open.)
Mlle. de Renard’s aunt said she thought the assembly had been useful. Her niece would feel reassured.
Mme. Berthe Fourneau said perhaps she would no longer feel impelled to open and close her bedroom shutters the whole time.
Mlle. de Renard’s aunt said her niece slept all day.
Mme. Berthe Fourneau said yes, but not all night.
General Portoret said, After you.
M. Labarrière said, Ladies first.
(All said goodbye.)
About the Author
Born in Montreal in 1922, Mavis Gallant left a career as a leading journalist in that city to move to Paris in 1950 to write.Since that time she has been publishing stories on a regular basis in