"You are looking fresh and well," he said, in his abrupt way, "so I suppose you are engaged in some mischief."
"Not exactly. But what I began in play is continuing in earnest."
"Yes," he said, looking at me with his easy smile while he dropped a piece of sugar into his coffee-cup. "Yes; young men are fond of walking into streams without ascertaining the depth on the farther side."
"I suppose you were young yourself once?" retorted I, bringing forward a chair.
"Yes--but I was always fat. Women always laughed at me behind my back. And, with a woman half the fun is to let you know her intention as she passes. I returned the compliment in my sleeve."
"I do not see what women have to do in this matter," said I.
"No--but I do. How is Mademoiselle this morning? Sit down; have a cup of coffe
