On my honor, I have not been happier than since I have, not a sou." "You are an optimist, Prince," said Hafner, "and whatsoever our friend Dorsenne here present may claim, it is necessary to be optimistic." "You are attacking him again, father," interrupted Fanny, in a tone of respectful reproach.
"Not the man," returned the Baron, "but his ideas--yes, and above all those of his school....

Yes, yes," he continued, either wishing to change the conversation, which Ardea persisted in turning upon his ruin, or finding very well organized a world in which strokes like that of the Credit Austro-Dalmate are possible, he really felt a deep aversion to the melancholy and pessimism with which Julien's works were tinged.

And he continued: "On listening to you, Ardea, just now, and on seeing this great writer enter, I am reminded by contrast of the fashion now in vogue of seeing life in a gloomy light." "Do you find it very gay ?" asked Alba, brusquely.
"Good," said Hafner; "I was sure that, in talking against pessimism, I should make the Contessina talk....

Very gay ?" he continued.

"No.