Surprised, amused, sometimes unable to repress a smile, sometimes genuinely compassionate, he heard my narrative through, accompanying it from time to time with muttered comments and ejaculations, none of which were very flattering to Madame de Marignan.

When I had done, he sprang to his feet, laid his hand heavily upon my shoulder, and said:-- "Damon, there are a great many disagreeable things in life which wise people say are good for us, and for which they tell us we ought to be grateful in proportion to our discomfort.

For my own part, however, I am no optimist.

I am not fond of mortifying the flesh, and the eloquence of Socrates would fail to persuade me that a carbuncle was a cheerful companion, or the gout an ailment to be ardently desired.

Yet, for all this, I cannot say that I look upon your adventure in the light of a misfortune.