Chapter 51The following conversation, which took place one morning between the two friends in the drinking hall, after an acquaintance of eight or nine days, is a proof of their very warm affection and of the tenderness, discretion, originality of thought, and literary taste that characterized the appropriateness of this bond.
They met by appointment; and since Bella had arrived almost five minutes before her friend, her first speech was natural: "My dearest creature, what made you come so late? I've been waiting for you at least at that age!"
"You have, indeed! I am very sorry; but I really thought I was in very good time. It's just one. I hope you haven't been here for long?"
"Oh! These ten ages at least. I'm sure I was here that half hour. But now let's go and sit at the other end of
