"We have neither your powers of reflection nor your depth of seriousness; but we have done our best." "Well, I have a great regard for each of you," Valentin continued.

"You are charming young people.

But I am not satisfied, on the whole, that you belong to that small and superior class--that exquisite group composed of persons who are worthy to remain unmarried.

These are rare souls; they are the salt of the earth.

But I don't mean to be invidious; the marrying people are often very nice." "Valentin holds that women should marry, and that men should not," said Madame de Cintre.