He shook off his depression, and his old smile came back as he said: "It's serious, then ?" "Yes, very serious." "I'm not surprised; she is a very pretty girl." "Isn't she lovely ?" "Better than that, my friend; she is good.

What do you know about her ?" "Only that she is a bad dancer." "That's something, to be sure." "But it isn't all." "Well, no.

But never mind, find out the rest, speak to her, declare your passion, ask for her hand, and marry her." "Good heavens, Sylvestre, you are going ahead!" "My dear fellow, that is the best and wisest plan; these vague idyls ought to be hurried on, either to a painless separation or an honorable end in wedlock.

In your place I should begin to-morrow." "Why not to-day ?" "How so ?" "Let's catch them up, and see her again at least." He began to laugh.
"Run after young girls at my age! Well, well, it was my advice.

Come along!" We crossed the avenue, and plunged into the forest.
Lampron had formerly acquired a reputation for tireless agility among the fox-hunters of the Roman Campagna.