I find it a dangerous thing, however; for an old man in love is likely to exhibit precisely the agreeable and striking peculiarities you have so aptly designated." There was something so odd about his manner and about the things he said that Nino was silent, and allowed him to proceed.
"The fact is," he continued, "that love is a very rare thing, nowadays, and is so very generally an abominable sham that I have often amused myself by diabolically devising plans for its destruction.

On this occasion I very nearly came to grief myself.

The same thing happened to me some time ago--about forty years, I should say,--and I perceive that it has not been forgotten.

It may amuse you to look at this paper, which I chance to have with me.

Good-morning.