"I have traveled very little," Monsieur de Boisguilbault replied, "although I set out one day with the intention of making the tour of the world. Switzerland happened to be in my way; the country pleased me and I went no farther, saying to myself that I should probably find nothing better after taking a deal of trouble."
"I see that you prefer this country to all others, and that you have come back here forever?"
"Forever, most assuredly."
"This is Switzerland in miniature, and if the imagination is less keenly aroused by grand spectacles, the fatigues and dangers of travel are much less great."
"I had other reasons for settling down on my own estate."
"Is it indiscreet to ask you what they are?"
"Are you really curious to know, then?" said the marquis with an equivocal smile.
"Curious! no; I am not curious in the impertinent and ridiculous meaning of the word; but to one of my age, one's own destiny and other people's is an enigma, and one always imagines that he may derive valuable information from the experience and wisdom of certain men."
"Why do you say certain men? Am I not like the rest of the world?"
"Oh! not at all, monsieur le marquis!"