I present my compliments to Monsieur de Valois," he added, bowing to that gentleman with much emphasis.
The chevalier returned the salutation stiffly, and drew Mademoiselle Cormon toward some flower-pots at a little distance, in order to show the interrupter that he did not choose to be spied upon.
"How is it possible," he continued, lowering his voice, and leaning towards Mademoiselle Cormon's ear, "that a young man brought up in those detestable lyceums should have ideas?
Only sound morals and noble habits will ever produce great ideas and a true love.

It is easy to see by a mere look at him that the poor lad is likely to be imbecile, and come, perhaps, to some sad end.

See how pale and haggard he is!" "His mother declares he works too hard," replied the old maid, innocently.

"He sits up late, and for what?
reading books and writing! What business ought to require a young man to write at night ?" "It exhausts him," replied the chevalier, trying to bring the old maid's thoughts back to the ground where he hoped to inspire her with horror for her youthful lover.

"The morals of those Imperial lyceums are really shocking." "Oh, yes!" said the ingenuous creature.