He struck the ground with his stick, his look of astonishment passed, and he smiled pleasantly as he returned Armitage's salutation.
"My dear Armitage!" he murmured.
"I didn't go to Mexico after all, my good Chauvenet.

The place is full of fevers; I couldn't take the risk." "He is indeed a wise man who safeguards his health," replied the other.
"You are quite right.

And when one has had many narrow escapes, one may be excused for exercising rather particular care.

Do you not find it so ?" mocked Armitage.
"My dear fellow, my life is one long fight against ennui.

Danger, excitement, the hazard of my precious life--such pleasures of late have been denied me." "But you are young and of intrepid spirit, Monsieur.