"'Young.'
"I smiled and said, 'You also are young, Silvain.'
"'Well?' was his inquiry.
"'Love comes to the young,' I said, with the kind wisdom which youth is fond of parading. 'It may come one day to me.'
"'Do you dream,' said Silvain, 'of a young woman whom you have never beheld?'
"'I dream of many such, no doubt,' I said, still preserving my light tone.
"'Ah, yes, of many such--but of one who constantly appears, and whom you can in certain particulars vividly describe? Is this among your experiences?'
"'No,' I said, 'it certainly is not.'
"'Then,' continued Silvain, 'she seldom appears alone. My brother Kristel is there; occasionally, also, you.'
"His earnest voice made me serious.