foot, her grace? Can she not smile without my going into ecstasies over her teeth, her mouth, and the expression of her eyes? Can she not utter a word without my extolling her wit, her shrewdness, her tact, her penetration, and the sweet tones of her voice? I may think it all, but I won't say it; I should be afraid of bringing a blush to her cheek. I know that I am considered far from gallant; that may injure me with some ladies, but I have neither the power nor the desire to change. If everybody did as I do, perhaps we should see less self-conceit and arrogance in men, less coquetry and caprice in women; they would take more trouble to be affable and agreeable, and everybody would be the gainer.--What do you think about it, neighbor?" I saw that Raymond was not listening; he was examining the bunches of orange blossoms that adorned my mantel, and seemed to be puzzled by the old bouquets which I had collected on my commode, after taking out the flowers that would not live. "You seem to be very fond of orange blossoms?" he said at last. "Very." "They have a very pleasant odor.--You must have twenty bunches of them here." "I haven't counted them.--But will you do me the favor to tell me what brings you to my rooms this morning? for I presume that you came for some purpose." "True; I forgot it while looking at these bouquets. I have received an invitation from Madame de Marsan for a party she is giving at her country house the day after to-morrow; I suppose you are going, and I came to suggest that we go together." "With pleasure; you know the way and you can be my guide." "With the greatest pleasure. By the way, how shall we go?" "We will hire a cabriolet, and keep it, so that we can return when we choose." "That's the idea. I thought at first of going in the saddle--I am very fond of riding; I have a very fine seat." "I have no doubt of your grace as a horseman; but we can't go to a party at Madame de Marsan's in top-boots, so we won't go in the saddle." "True; I will undertake to provide a nice cabriolet; I know a liveryman. At what time shall we start?" "At seven o'clock; we shall arrive at eight, which is the proper hour in the country." "That's settled, then. I fancy we shall have some fun; I know the whole party, so I can tell you who's who." "I thought you had been only twice to Madame de Marsan's." "Oh! that doesn't make any difference! once is enough for me to know everybody; I have a certain amount of tact, of penetration--it's all a matter of habit. In case they should want to give a theatrical performance, I have an opera that I have just finished; I'll read it to you on the road." "That will give me great pleasure." "I must take a look over it. Until Thursday, neighbor!" "Until Thursday!"