He addressed some polite speech to me, but this time he called me madame, and in uttering this word there was a tone of sadness that deeply touched me, and the earnest look with which he regarded me I can never forget--it seemed to say, I know your history, I know you are unhappy, I know this unhappiness is unjustly inflicted upon you, and you arouse my tenderest sympathy. I assure you, my dear Valentine, that his look expressed all this, and much more that I refrain from telling you, because I know you will laugh at me. Madame de Meilhan having joined us, he went over to Edgar. "What do you think of her?" asked Edgar, who did not know that I was listening. "Very beautiful." "She is a companion, engaged by my mother to stay here until I marry." The hidden meaning of this jesting speech seemed to disgust M. de Villiers; he cast upon his friend a severe and scornful look that clearly said: You conceited puppy! I think, but am not certain, this look also signified: Would-be Lovelace! Provincial Don Juan, &c. At dinner I was placed opposite him, and all during the meal I was wondering why this handsome, elegant, distinguished-looking young man should be nicknamed Don Quixote. Thoughtful observation solved the enigma. Don Quixote was ridiculed for two things: being very ugly and being too generous. And I confess I felt myself immediately fascinated by his captivating characteristics. After dinner we were on the terrace, when he approached me and said with a smile: "I am distressed, madame, to think that without knowing you, I must have made a disagreeable impression." "I confess that you startled me." "How pale you turned!... perhaps you were expecting some one!" ... He asked this question with a troubled look and such charming anxiety that I answered quickly--too quickly, perhaps: "No, monsieur, I did not expect any one." "You saw me coming up the walk?" "Yes, I saw you coming." "But was there any reason why I should have caused you this sudden fright!... some resemblance, perhaps?--no?--It is strange ... I am puzzled." "And I am also very much puzzled, monsieur." "About me!... What happiness!" "I wish to know why you are called Don Quixote?"