Combeferre doesn't talk for long, by Combeferre's standards, but he does talk. With a digression on the history of the watch-spring and Robert Hooke's invention of it in 1678, and his description of the principles behind springs in De potentia restutiva, and how it's a fascinating illustration of the false hierarchy in the sciences between "mere" practical tinkerers and supposedly higher-thinking natural philosophers, and how Combeferre didn't fully appreciate this problem until he began discussing things with Feuilly...
...yes, well, maybe it is long.
When he pauses for breath, he decides to follow his whimsy and climb onto the horse. He does this awkwardly, with none of Enjolras's nigh-supernatural grace. Once on the horse, he bounces vigorously, enjoying himself more than a grown man should, until he hears a crack beneath him and topples to the floor.
"Ow," says Combeferre, rubbing his elbows. "Do you think Bar will penalize me somehow, for damaging the horse?"
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...yes, well, maybe it is long.
When he pauses for breath, he decides to follow his whimsy and climb onto the horse. He does this awkwardly, with none of Enjolras's nigh-supernatural grace. Once on the horse, he bounces vigorously, enjoying himself more than a grown man should, until he hears a crack beneath him and topples to the floor.
"Ow," says Combeferre, rubbing his elbows. "Do you think Bar will penalize me somehow, for damaging the horse?"