"Haven't you seen our square yet, the Poncelet promenade?"
"No, but it seems that it is very pretty, for we have already heard of it."
"Why, yes; it's a square worthy of a large city.—And then you mustn't judge our society by Monsieur Jarnouillard; we have some very pleasant people—large land-owners; to be sure, they stay at home and rarely come to our houses.—Have you been to walk in the direction of the Tower yet?"
"Not yet; but we already know the owner of the place, doctor."
"Really? you know him?"
"That is to say, we met him and his dog on the bank of the Marne, on our way to Poucette's uncle's field."
"Well, what do you think of the man? Hasn't he something savage in his expression?"
"Why, no; he has the look of a man who doesn't care for society, and who doesn't shave; but, as he walked by very rapidly, I couldn't examine him closely."
"But I," said Agathe, "won the heart of his beautiful dog. He looked at me and caressed me. His master had to call him, to induce him to leave me."
"You astonish me, for he's a rascal who seldom caresses strangers. However, I must admit that this Ami—that is his name, you know—is really endowed with extraordinary intelligence. Only three days ago he saved a child who was drowning."