The Works of Charles Paul de Kock (Volume 21) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VII Great Works. The Ladies Establish A Journal Let Us leave these strong-minded ladies for a short time, and return to their husbands--the poor, deserted husbands What was I going to say? I was absolutely going to pity them, whereas commiseration would be entirely thrown away on these gentlemen; Adolphe was now free to plead without his wife meddling with his cases or his clients; M. Etoile was no longer obliged to listen to his muse's metrical utterances--which were anything but entertaining to him; M. Bouchetrou had plenty of time to get vaccinated, and could dress as his fancy dictated; M. Vespuce could take his shirtmaker out walking as often as he pleased; M. Grassouillet was no longer obliged to witness his Amandine's coquetries; and, lastly, handsome Dutonneau could feast as many grisettes as he pleased at the restaurant. So you see, these husbands were by no means to be pitied; and it is probably the same with many others whom it is needless, and, indeed, would be out of place for me to mention here. Why are there so many husbands who feel lighter, more cheerful, more disposed to amuse themselves when they are away from their wives, whom sometimes they love very fondly? Is it not the ladies' fault, in that they assume the part of preceptors to their husbands, and scold them much as the former scold their scholars when they are wayward and do not know their lessons? It would be so easy for these ladies to desist from scolding; if they were to laugh, if they were to joke with their husbands, instead of being illtempered with them, the latterwould not go abroad to seek distraction and pleasure. What I now say to you is not new, many authors have said it before, and these ladies have no more listened to them than they will listen to me. But ...