"So much the better! I aim to be unrecognizable; but let us talk of your affairs: have you been to Papa Gerbault's?"
"Yes; I saw Adolphine, Fanny's younger sister; still, as always, kind and affectionate and ready to help me."
"I have an idea that she is very affectionate, in truth."
"But I found her very much changed—she is thin, and she has lost her fresh color. One would say that the girl has some secret sorrow."
"There's nothing impossible in that, poor child! And you told her that you still love her sister?"
"To be sure; I confided to her all the hopes which Fanny's present position justified me in forming. Oh! I made no mystery to her of my love for her sister."
"That must have afforded her a great deal of pleasure!"
"Adolphine takes an interest in my happiness; if she can help me with Fanny, she will do it, I am sure."
"She is quite capable of it. But, look you, if you take my advice, you will go directly to the young widow, and not have the little sister for a constant witness of your love making; it's a dangerous business for a heart of nineteen years! When one sees others making love, it may arouse a longing to make love on one's own account."
"My dear Arthur, I ask nothing better than to go to Madame Monléard's; but I must see her first at her father's, and she must give me permission to call on her."