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little suspecting that he who apparently best understood calculation reckoned illest.
"The breakfast terminated very gayly. Soon installed in a parlor newly decorated, and seated before a cheerful fire, I complimented the loving couple upon the furnishing of their establishment.
"'It is a pity it all costs so dearly!' said my friend; 'but the nest must be worthy of the bird! Why, diable, do you compliment me upon things not paid for? You remind me, during my digestion, that I still owe two thousand francs to a Turk of an upholsterer.'
"At these words the mistress of the house inventoried with her eyes the pretty boudoir, and from brilliant her face became thoughtful. Alexander took me by the hand and drew me into the embrasure of a window.
"'Do you happen to have a thousand pounds to lend me?' said he in a low voice; 'I have only ten or twelve thousand pounds income, and this year — '
"'Alexander!' cried the dear creature, interrupting her husband, running to us and holding out the three banknotes, 'Alexander, I see my folly !'
"'Why do you meddle?' replied he; 'keep your money.'
"'But, my love, I ruin you! I ought to have known that you love me too much to permit myself to confide to you all my wishes.'
"Keep it, my darling, it is well earned. Bah! I shall get it back at play this winter!'
"'Play!' said she, with an expression of terror; 'Alexander, take back your notes! Come, sir, I wish it.'
"'No! no!' replied my friend, pushing away the little white and delicate hand, 'are you not going on Thursday to the ball of Madame ?'
"'I will think over your request,' said I to my friend,
