Denise were walking together in front, while he, with the doctor on his arm, brought up the rear.
"Don't you like Lancelot?" the doctor asked.
"Oh, yes; he's a very nice fellow," he replied, absently.
"So original; isn't he?"
"Yes, very."
"Do you think he's in love with her?"
"With De—with Mademoiselle Personette? Oh, no; I don't think so."
"They'd mate splendidly, though; wouldn't they?"
"Well, I don't know."
"Yes, I think he'd make an excellent husband for her. But of course, he's so poor, it's out of the question. He couldn't support a wife."
"No; I suppose not."
"Well, I dare say she'll live to be an old maid, like me. She'll never marry a Frenchman, anyhow."
"Ah?"
"No. You see, she hasn't any dot."
"Oh!"
"Do you know my private opinion?"
"No: what is it?"
"My private opinion is that you are head over ears in love with her."
"Oh—why—oh, what an idea!"
"Oh, there's no use denying it. You can't pull the wool over my eyes. It's as plain as the nose on your face. Well, I don't wonder. I should be, too, if I were a man. You've got a level head."
"I hope, doctor, that you haven't said anything as absurd as this to Mademoiselle Personette."
"Oh, no; of course I haven't. It's none of my business. And, besides, why should I? It would only worry her."
"Do—do—do you think—I—stand any chance?"
"Ah, then you admit it?"
"No. I don't admit anything. I put the question hypothetically."
"Well, then, if you don't admit it, if you merely put the question hypothetically, I don't believe you stand the least ghost of a chance—not the shadow of a shade of a chance."
"Oh, good Lord! Really? Is—is there somebody else? For mercy's sake, don't trifle with me about this. Tell me the whole truth, right out. I—I can stand it."
"Well, really, I don't see why you should care one way or the other—if you deny the soft impeachment."
"Doctor, I will confess to you, in confidence, since you seem already to have divined it, I will confess to you that I love her with all my heart. I adore her. Now, tell me, have I any chance?"
"In confidence, in absolute secrecy, then, I will tell you"
"Yes— quick!"
"You promise to make no improper use of the information?"
"Yes, yes. For heaven's sake, go on."
