You have lost flesh." "I am married," answered Laurent in an embarrassed tone.
"Married, you!" said the other.

"Then I am not surprised to see you look so funny: and what are you doing now ?" "I have taken a small studio," replied Laurent; "and I paint a little, in the morning." Then, in a feverish voice, he briefly related the story of his marriage, and explained his future plans.

His friend observed him with an air of astonishment that troubled and alarmed him.

The truth was that the painter no longer found in the husband of Therese, the coarse, common fellow he had known formerly.

It seemed to him that Laurent was acquiring a gentlemanly bearing; his face had grown thinner, and had taken the pale tint of good taste, while his whole frame looked more upright and supple.
"But you are becoming a handsome chap," the artist could not refrain from exclaiming.