"Because I should like to talk with you."
"Well, that is capital, for I too want to talk to you."
"Ah," said the count: "well, if you like, we will talk over a cigar and a glass of punch."
"That will be excellent."
The young men sat down opposite each other and lit their cigars.
"What a charming day we have spent!" the count said.
"How could it be otherwise," Dominique asked, "with such amiable persons?"
And as if by common accord the young men sighed. The count suddenly seemed to form a determination.
"Come," he said to his friend, "will you be frank?"
"With you I shall always be so, as you are well aware," Dominique answered.