My Uncle Jules is about a family's high hopes for one member. Uncle Jules was a squanderer who was sent to America. Havre awaited his return. The youngest Davranche, Joseph, tells his story.
Non-rich members made ends meet. Soup and beef were their staples. They never accepted dinner invitations to avoid reciprocating. All the food was cheap, and the sisters made their own gowns. Lost buttons and torn pants caused the narrator terrible scenes.
They dressed up for church every Sunday. The family awaited their uncle's return after 10 years. They heard he rented a big shop and was doing well. When his father saw a steamer from an unknown country, he would say, "What a surprise if Jules was on that one!" With Uncle's money, the family planned to buy a house.
The elder sister married at 28. The family visited Jersey. Poor people loved Jersey. They boarded a steamer on a long-awaited day. As non-travellers, they were happy and proud.
A ragged old sailor sold oysters onboard. The narrator's father and sisters liked eating oysters on moving ships, so they went near the old sailor. The narrator's father recognised Jules as the sailor. Everyone was sad. As he was poor, they didn't want their son-in-law to know. Jersey. The narrator sought him out. The old man left because nobody was eating oysters. The reality disappoints and frustrates the family members. All their hopes were dashed.
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