"She is not very tall, and she has small feet and small hands. She is a true woman. I have examined her very carefully, being in love with her."
"I say, what are you thinking about?"
"It makes no difference to you, since, viewed as a woman simply, she doesn't attract you."
"My dear fellow, if she did attract me, it would be all the same. In that case, I should try to be on a more intimate footing with her than I am; but I should not be in love with her, that being a profession which I do not practise; consequently, I should not be jealous. So press your suit, if you think best."
"I shall, if I find the opportunity; but I have no time to seek it, and, at heart, I am like you, Laurent, perfectly disposed to be patient, since I am of an age and a society in which there is no lack of pleasure. But, as we are speaking of that woman, and as you know her, tell me—it is pure curiosity on my part—whether she is a widow or——"
"Or what?"
"I meant to say whether she is the widow of a lover or a husband."
"I have no idea."
"That isn't possible."
"On my word of honor, I never asked her. It makes no difference to me!"