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Updated: June 26, 2025
"Well, but," resumed the Counsellor Niklausse, after the lapse of some moments, "we have not spoken of our great affair!" "What great affair? Have we, then, a great affair?" asked the burgomaster. "No doubt. About lighting the town." "O yes. If my memory serves me, you are referring to the lighting plan of Doctor Ox." "Precisely." "It is going on, Niklausse," replied the burgomaster.
"What did we come here to do?" repeated the burgomaster. "We came," said Niklausse, "to breathe this pure air, which human weaknesses have not corrupted." "Well, shall we descend, friend Niklausse?" "Let us descend, friend Van Tricasse."
About six o'clock the counsellor, who had a habit of speaking in a very summary manner, resumed in these words, "So we decide " "To decide nothing," replied the burgomaster. "I think, on the whole, that you are right, Van Tricasse." "I think so too, Niklausse. We will take steps with reference to the civil commissary when we have more light on the subject later on.
What could be passing in his mind? "Besides," added Niklausse, "the town cannot be deprived of light much longer." "But," urged Doctor Ox, "a town which has been un-lighted for eight or nine hundred years " "All the more necessary is it," replied the burgomaster, emphasizing his words. "Times alter, manners alter! The world advances, and we do not wish to remain behind.
"Anything new, Monsieur the counsellor?" asked another. "Nothing new," answered Niklausse. But by certain agitated motions and questioning looks, it was evident that the altercation of the evening before was known throughout the town. Observing the direction taken by Van Tricasse, the most obtuse Quiquendonians guessed that the burgomaster was on his way to take some important step.
Niklausse replied that, at all events, he would pass down first; and, the space being very narrow, the two dignitaries came into collision, and found themselves in utter darkness. The words "blockhead" and "booby" were the mildest which they now applied to each other.
"We have been talking over this grave matter for ten years," replied the Counsellor Niklausse, "and I confess to you, my worthy Van Tricasse, that I cannot yet take it upon myself to come to a decision." "I quite understand your hesitation," said the burgomaster, who did not speak until after a good quarter of an hour of reflection, "I quite understand it, and I fully share it.
"You shall give me satisfaction for this!" cried the burgomaster, shaking his fist under his adversary's nose. "Whenever you please!" growled the Counsellor Niklausse, attempting to respond with a vigorous kick. The guardian, who was himself in a passion, I cannot say why, thought the scene a very natural one.
In a few moments Van Tricasse begged Niklausse to go more slowly, as he felt him on his heels, and it "worried him." It even did more than worry him; for twenty steps lower down he ordered the counsellor to stop, that he might get on some distance ahead. The counsellor replied that he did not wish to remain with his leg in the air to await the good pleasure of the burgomaster, and kept on.
Observe that border of green trees, which Nature has so picturesquely arranged! Ah, Nature, Nature, Niklausse! Could the hand of man ever hope to rival her?" "It is enchanting, my excellent friend," replied the counsellor. "See the flocks and herds lying in the verdant pastures, the oxen, the cows, the sheep!" "And the labourers going to the fields!
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