Forty-five years old at least.

Her _clientele_ is composed of boys, who are always satisfied if they don't have to pay, and men of letters, who are yet more easily satisfied--for the ugliness of authors' mistresses is proverbial.

Unless this is simply a practical joke.

But who would be playing one on me--I don't know anybody--and why ?" In any case, he would simply not reply.
But in spite of himself he reopened the letter.
"Well now, what do I risk?
If this woman wants to sell me an over-ripe heart, there is nothing forcing me to purchase it.

I don't commit myself to anything by going to an assignation.