Alfred left the window, and walked toward Robineau, saying to him:
"It is Mademoiselle Cornélie, that tall young woman with whom you opened the ball, whom you propose to marry?"
"Just so, my friend. She is charming, isn’t she?"
"Yes, she isn’t bad-looking!"
"And how she dances, eh?"
"Yes, but one doesn’t marry to dance all the time. Listen, Robineau——"
"I have told you that I would not answer to that name."
"Well, Jules la Roche-Noire, or whatever you choose,—listen to me, I beg you. You are a good fellow, although wealth has rather turned your head, and although you are trying to play the grand seigneur. We were at school together, and honestly I should be sorry to see you wretchedly unhappy some day."
"What a devil of a preamble!"
"You are spending more than your income, you are running through your inheritance too fast; however, since you are enjoying yourself, I will overlook that; but my friend, take my advice, do not marry Mademoiselle Cornélie; for I am very sure that, if you do, you will not enjoy yourself long."