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A lively tableau of Parisian society unfolds in a sun‑drenched drawing‑room, where a quick‑witted marquise, a shy young abbé, and a mischievous child mingle over wool yarn, lottery numbers, and fleeting glances out a large window. Their conversation turns to “Bijou,” a mysterious figure whose casual flower‑picking becomes the focal point of curiosity, envy, and gentle teasing. The dialogue crackles with humor and keen observation, inviting listeners to linger over each character’s quirks and the subtle power games of the household.
Through witty banter and vivid description, the narrative paints a portrait of a world where appearances mask deeper desires, and a simple sight on the terrace can spark endless speculation. As the characters puzzle over what truly constitutes “something interesting,” the story gently probes the gap between perception and reality, setting the stage for a charming exploration of social pretensions and quiet yearning.
Language
fr
Duration
~5 hours (328K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Fritz Ohrenschall and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2012-05-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1849–1932
A sharp, witty French novelist and playwright, she built a huge popular readership by turning the manners and contradictions of her world into lively fiction. Writing as Gyp, she became known for brisk dialogue, social satire, and an unmistakably bold public voice.
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