“Happy man!” he said with a sigh. “Take care you don’t become offensive.”
“If anyone chooses to take offense, he may. I have a good conscience,” said Newman.
“So you are really in love with my sister.”
“Yes, sir!” said Newman, after a pause.
“And she also?”
“I guess she likes me,” said Newman.
“What is the witchcraft you have used?” Valentin asked. “How do you make love?”
“Oh, I haven’t any general rules,” said Newman. “In any way that seems acceptable.”
“I suspect that, if one knew it,” said Valentin, laughing, “you are a terrible customer. You walk in seven-league boots.”
“There is something the matter with you to-night,” Newman said in response to this. “You are vicious. Spare me all discordant sounds until after my marriage. Then, when I have settled down for life, I shall be better able to take things as they come.”