Auguste played with the glass goblet, and looked away from his friend’s eyes.
“I am wondering what would happen if I were to take you at your word,” he answered, with a smile of some cynicism.
“What do you mean?”
“It is easy to ask for a frank opinion. It is not so easy to receive it, when it does not happen to be the one we want.”
“Auguste! Why do you talk like that? Surely you cannot help liking her?”
The other man shook off his moody fit, and sat upright.
“She is perfectly charming, my dear friend. You have discovered a gem. I am only trying to think what you will do with it.”
The young man gave a dissatisfied frown.
“How long have you learned to be so discreet?” he said in a tone of reproach. “What have we to do with the future? Surely it is enough to enjoy this moment while it lasts? Since I found out this delightful spot, I have been happy. Your absence has been my only cause of regret; and even that I have forgotten during the hours I have spent here in the company of this beautiful child.”
“Ah,” murmured the other, with a touch of sadness, “the sunshine of love soon puts out the fire of friendship.”