"O no!"
"Pardon me."
"Say that you have succeeded her! Spring does not take the place of winter; it causes it to be forgotten."
"Winter can nevertheless have good in it."
"O, you did not know Esther! She was sharp as the north-wind of December, and when she came near you you felt the approach of rheumatism!"
Then he went into a description of the poor Esther which was very lively, though not at all malicious, and it was altogether so droll that I could not restrain a burst of laughter.
"That's right!" he rejoined; "but do you laugh? Then we shall hear laughter here! I hope you laugh often?"
"Certainly, when there is a good occasion."
"There never was a good occasion for Esther. After all she was right: if she had laughed she would have shown her teeth. Ah! but do not hide yours. I have seen them, and yet I shall say nothing about them. I know nothing sillier than compliments. Would it be impertinent to ask your name? But no; do not tell me it. I guessed Esther's: I baptized her Rebecca. You see that I detected the race. I want to guess yours."
"Come, then, guess."