"I don't exactly know; they are of the complex kind. There's young La Balue, for instance, he's a perfect example for you of this class; you might study him."
"That's an idea that has never entered my head; but, in the young generation of to-day, there are others beside these complex ones."
"Yes, they are the athletes."
"Specimen, Pierrot!"—remarked Henry de Bracieux.
The marchioness turned towards her grandson.
"Don't be personal," she said. "Continue your little speech, Jean."
"I would rather eat my egg in peace, aunt!"
"We had got as far as the athletes—"
"Well, then, if the complex young men of to-day are a trifle sickening, the athletes are the greatest nuisances under the sun. Boxing, football, bicycles, matches, and records—all that, they consider of the most tremendous and vital importance, not only in their conversation, but, what is more regrettable still, in their lives. In their opinion, a man of worth is the one who can give the hardest blows, or who is endowed with the greatest strength or vigour; all their admiration is bestowed on one single being in the world—the Champion, with a capital C."
"And what is there between the complex young man and the athletes?"