I discovered, however, that there was a certain serenity of eye, and freshness of complexion, most pleasing to behold.

The colour on her cheek was like the bloom on a good apple, which is as sound at the core as it is red on the rind.
Mdlle.

Reuter and I entered upon business.

She said she was not absolutely certain of the wisdom of the step she was about to take, because I was so young, and parents might possibly object to a professor like me for their daughters: "But it is often well to act on one's own judgment," said she, "and to lead parents, rather than be led by them.
The fitness of a professor is not a matter of age; and, from what I have heard, and from what I observe myself, I would much rather trust you than M.Ledru, the music-master, who is a married man of near fifty." I remarked that I hoped she would find me worthy of her good opinion; that if I knew myself, I was incapable of betraying any confidence reposed in me.

"Du reste," said she, "the surveillance will be strictly attended to." And then she proceeded to discuss the subject of terms.
She was very cautious, quite on her guard; she did not absolutely bargain, but she warily sounded me to find out what my expectations might be; and when she could not get me to name a sum, she reasoned and reasoned with a fluent yet quiet circumlocution of speech, and at last nailed me down to five hundred francs per annum--not too much, but I agreed.