This order given, the coachman turned his horses' heads towards the right bank of the Seine.
"Do you know, I think our meeting more and more marvellous," remarked the young woman.
"While I admit that the meeting is singular, it seems to me even more agreeable than singular."
"No compliments, if you please, monsieur. They do very well for people who have nothing else to say to each other; and I confess that if you are inclined to gratify my curiosity, you will not have answered half the questions I want to put to you, when the time comes for us to separate."
"You should not tell me that; I shall be sure to become very diffuse in my style of conversation, in the hope that your curiosity—"
"Will inspire me with the desire to meet you a second time, if you do not tell me all to-day. Is that what you mean?"
"Yes, madame."
The lady smiled faintly, then she continued:
"But in order that we may take things in their natural course, tell me first what you were going to do in the northern part of Chili. I was returning from there myself, when I met you, eight months ago, and, as I know it is a region little frequented by travellers, you will understand and excuse a question which might otherwise sound too inquisitive, perhaps."
"Before answering this question, madame, it is absolutely necessary that I should give you some insight into my character; otherwise, you might mistake me for a madman."