Let us therefore speak as intimates.

I will set you the example.

I am twenty-nine years old, without landed estates, and full of ambition.

Mademoiselle Modeste, as you must have perceived, pleases me extremely.

Now, in spite of the little defects which your dear girl likes to assume--" "-- not counting those she really possesses," said the colonel, smiling,-- "-- I should gladly make her my wife, and I believe I could render her happy.