"Well," he said, "here I am blackballed at the third examination!"

She laughed and, going to him, said mischievously: "Would you like at least to have what I refused you at the second examination?" And putting her arm about his neck she kissed him. An affectionate kiss. But there was no mistaking it—the kiss of a friend.

Franck was not deceived by it. "Well," he said, "let me hope that in twenty years I shall be admitted."

"No," said Annette, laughing. "There's an age-limit! Marry, my friend. You have only to choose. All the women are waiting for you."

"But not you."

"I'm going to remain a bachelor-girl."

"You'll see, you'll see. For your punishment you will marry when you are over fifty."

"Frère, il faut mourir.' Before then."

"Until then, the life of a nun."

"You don't know what delights it has."