To catch Courfeyrac unguarded was a remarkably rare feat. He always had a quip or comment to hand, always ended up seeming unruffled by even the most unexpected turns of events.
But it could be done. As when Joly arrived a day early from a lengthy trip home and presented himself at the Café Musain: Courfeyrac leapt to his feet in undisguised delight and seized him by the shoulders and kissed both his cheeks.