I can make a joke of all this at present, for we have not yet seen the Duc d'Herouville, and I do not believe in marriages arranged by proxy, any more than I believe in choosing my daughter's husband." "That declaration is equally encouraging and discouraging to two young men who are searching for the philosopher's stone of happiness in marriage," said Canalis.
"Don't you consider it useful, necessary, and even politic to stipulate for perfect freedom of action for parents, daughters, and suitors ?" asked Charles Mignon.
Canalis, at a sign from La Briere, kept silence.

The conversation presently became unimportant, and after a few turns round the garden the count retired, urging the visit of the two friends.
"That's our dismissal," cried Canalis; "you saw it as plainly as I did.
Well, in his place, I should not hesitate between the grand equerry and either of us, charming as we are." "I don't think so," said La Briere.

"I believe that frank soldier came here to satisfy his desire to see you, and to warn us of his neutrality while receiving us in his house.

Modeste, in love with your fame, and misled by my person, stands, as it were, between the real and the ideal, between poetry and prose.

I am, unfortunately, the prose." "Germain," said Canalis to the valet, who came to take away the coffee, "order the carriage in half an hour.