"Yes."
"But why do you come to me for my advice in such a delicate matter?"
"Because I have confidence in you," replied the painter, warmly.
"Thank you," said the vicomte, cordially; "in questions of ordinary life I know as little as a child. I think it is a misfortune to always live alone."
"Then you advise me to marry?"
"If the woman you have selected is worthy to be your wife."
For a time they were both silent, and then Spero continued:
"I think marriage must be based upon unlimited mutual esteem."
"You are right. You have, no doubt, observed that the young lady whom I conducted through the parlor this evening—"