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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Sons of the Soil by Honore de Balzac: insult us it won't take long to settle you."
"I meant nothing," said the old woman, in a humble and piteous tone.
"I heard you say something just now you may have cause to repent of."
"Come, come, be calm, all of you," said the mayor of Conches, who was
also the postmaster. "What the devil is the use of talking? These men,
as you know very well, are under orders and must obey."
"That's true; it's the owner of Les Aigues who persecutes us-- But
patience!"
Just then the general rode into the square and his arrival caused a
few groans which did not trouble him in the least. He rode straight up
to the lieutenant in command, and after saying a few words gave him a
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