“We strolled along the bank, a little enthused by that vague exaltation that these dreamy evenings produce in us. We would have liked to undertake some wonderful task, to love some unknown, deliciously poetic being. We felt ourselves vibrating with raptures, longings, strange aspirations. And we were silent, our beings pervaded by the serene and living coolness of the beautiful night, the coolness of the moonlight, which seemed to penetrate one's body, permeate it, soothe one's spirit, fill it with fragrance and steep it in happiness.
“Suddenly Josephine (that is her name) uttered an exclamation:
“'Oh, did you see the big fish that jumped, over there?'
“He replied without looking, without thinking:
“'Yes, dear.'
“She was angry.
“'No, you did not see it, for your back was turned.'
“He smiled.
“'Yes, that's true. It is so delightful that I am not thinking of anything.'
“She was silent, but at the end of a minute she felt as if she must say something and asked: