Before we got to the house the syndic informed me that we should find another extremely pretty but uninitiated girl present.

“All the better,” said I, “I shall know how to regulate my conduct, and perhaps I may succeed in initiating her.”

In my pocket I had placed a casket containing a dozen exquisite rings.  I had long been aware that such trifling presents are often very serviceable.

The moment of meeting those charming girls once more was one of the happiest I have ever enjoyed.  In their greeting I read delight and love of pleasure.  Their love was without envy or jealousy, or any ideas which would have injured their self-esteem.  They felt worthy of my regard, as they had lavished their favours on me without any degrading feelings, and drawn by the same emotion that had drawn me.

The presence of the neophyte obliged us to greet each other with what is called decency, and she allowed me to kiss her without raising her eyes, but blushing violently.

After the usual commonplaces had passed and we had indulged in some double meanings which made us laugh and her look thoughtful, I told her she was pretty as a little love, and that I felt sure that her mind, as beautiful as its casket, could harbour no prejudices.

“I have all the prejudices which honour and religion suggest,” she modestly replied.

I saw that this was a case requiring very delicate treatment.  There was no question of carrying the citadel by sudden assault.  But, as usual, I fell in love with her.

The syndic having pronounced my name, she said,—­

“Ah! then, you, sir, are the person who discussed some very singular questions with my cousin, the pastor’s niece.  I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”

“I am equally pleased to make yours, but I hope the pastor’s niece said nothing against me.”

“Not at all; she has a very high opinion of you.”

“I am going to dine with her to-morrow, and I shall take care to thank her.”

“To-morrow!  I should like to be there, for I enjoy philosophical discussions though I never dare to put a word in.”

The syndic praised her discretion and wisdom in such a manner that I was convinced he was in love with her, and that he had either seduced her or was trying to do so.  Her name was Helen.  I asked the young ladies if Helen was their sister.  The eldest replied, with a sly smile, that she was a sister, but as yet she had no brother; and with this explanation she ran up to Helen and kissed her.  Then the syndic and I vied with each other in paying her compliments, telling her that we hoped to be her brothers.  She blushed, but gave no answer to our gallantries.  I then drew forth my casket, and seeing that all the girls were enchanted with the rings, I told them to choose which ones they liked best.  The charming Helen imitated their example, and repaid me with a modest kiss.  Soon after she left us, and we were once more free, as in old times.