In less than a week it turned out a serious engagement.

I fell in love with the interesting niece, who, being full of wit and well disposed to enjoy herself, had no love for me, and granted me no favour.
I hoped, and, feeling that I was caught, I felt it was the only thing I could do.
One day that I was alone in my room, drinking my coffee and thinking of her, the door was suddenly opened without anyone being announced, and a young man came in.

I did not recollect him, but, without giving me time to ask any questions, he said to me, "Sir, I have had the honour of meeting you at the supper-table of M.
Samson, the painter." "Ah! yes; I beg you to excuse me, sir, I did not at first recollect you." "It is natural, for your eyes are always on Mdlle.

Samson." "Very likely, but you must admit that she is a charming creature." "I have no difficulty whatever in agreeing with you; to my misery, I know it but too well." "You are in love with her ?" "Alas, yes! and I say, again, to my misery." "To your misery?
But why, do not you gain her love ?" "That is the very thing I have been striving for since last year, and I was beginning to have some hope when your arrival has reduced me to despair." "I have reduced you to despair ?" "Yes, sir." "I am very sorry, but I cannot help it." "You could easily help it; and, if you would allow me, I could suggest to you the way in which you could greatly oblige me." "Speak candidly." "You might never put your foot in the house again." "That is a rather singular proposal, but I agree that it is truly the only thing I can do if I have a real wish to oblige you.

Do you think, however, that in that case you would succeed in gaining her affection ?" "Then it will be my business to succeed.