A Romance of Youth -- Volume 2

snow upon his blue cloth coat, presents himself three or four times a day at his customers' dwelling to offer in return for a trifling sum of money a calendar containing nece

books; a young man ignorant of his beauty or charms, who frets because the light down upon his chin has not turned into hideous bristles, a young man who awakes

ool, but was completing his studies at the Lycee Henri IV-named Maurice Roger. They soon formed an affectionate int

eful manners of a gentleman. Twice a day, when they left the college, they walked together through the Luxembourg Gardens, confiding to each other their dreams and hopes, lin

elf with painting, at least as an amateur; for he was passionately fond of it. All this was said by the handsome, aristocratic young man with a happy smile, which expanded his sensual lips and nostrils; and Amedee admired him without one envious thought; feeling, with the generous warmth of youth, an entire confidence in the future and the mere joy of living. In his turn he made a confidant of Maurice, but not of ever

friend with his natural good grace. "But first of all, you must come to dinner some day

ir of shoes were run-over at the heels, and that the collars and cuffs on his six white shirts were ragged on the edges from too frequent washings. Then, to go to dinner in the city, what

young and pretty maid-one of those brunettes who have a waist that one can clasp in both hands, and a suspicion of a moustache-opened the door and ushered the young man into a drawing-room furnished in a simple but luxurious manner. Maurice was alone, standing with his back to the fire, in the attitude of master of the house. He received his

" said Maurice. "Do

sant smile, and even the same blond curls. Amedee was ad

embles him,

h an earnest glance at her son, then at her husband's portrait, Amedee comprehended that Maurice was his mother's idol, and, moved by the sight of the widow

is comrades that he cares for most. I know what affection you hav

lized how pleasant his friend's life must be with such a good mother, and he could not help comparing his own sad childhood, recalling above all things the lugubrious eveni

ts, looking at her with a pleasant smile which be

t I am a perfect phoenix,"

lans and draughts on long tables covered with rules and compasses. With a cranium that looked like a picked bird, his gray, melancholy imperial, his stooping shoulders, which shortened still more his tightly buttoned military coat, there was nothing martial in his appearance. With his head full of whims, no fortune, and three daughters to marry, the poor Colonel, who put on only two or three times a year, for official solemnities, his uniform, which

orated table, this cloth that was so soft when he put his hand upon it; these dishes that excited and satisfied the appetite; these various flavored wines which, like the flowers, were fragrant-what new and agreeable sensations! They were quickly and silently waited upon by the pretty maid. Maurice, seat

the officers of both armies, enemies to each other, exchanged politenesses and cigars during the suspension of arms. He told fine military ane

r, you may be tranquil. Since you wish it, your respectful and obedient son will become a lawyer without clients, who will paint daubs during his spare mo

h as pastry can be, and they all fixed upon Maurice their little black eyes, which had suddenly become so soft and tender that Amedee did not doubt bu

raceful Maurice, and how well he

table! The three young ladies giggled themselves as red as peonies. A sort of joyous chuckle escaped from the Colonel's drooping moustache. Madame Roger's smile seemed to make her grow young; and A

l, who lived at some dis

weather was fine, wish

eft with his three marr

s turn took

d said to Maurice, as she he

not come in very late

ric

an, without anger, but a trifle impatiently.

tairs ahead of Amedee

will soon make he

glad that his companion

st, be content. I have resolved to scandalize the family roof no longer. I have finished with this bold-faced creature. You must know that she began it, and was the first to kiss me on the sly. Now, I am engaged elsewhe

g ladies? Maurice had allowed himself to be carried away by his youthful impetuosity, that was all! Was it for him, still pure, but tormented by the temptations and curiosity of youth, to be sev

ld talk of was the evening before. Amedee spoke with the eloquence of

's imposing beauty. Mamma Gerard would have liked to know how the chicken-jelly was made; the old engraver listened with pleasure to the Colonel's militar

ked at herself in a mirror that was covered with flyspecks, "t

ting into laughter without raising his eyes from his wor

e Maria in her simple brown frock. How she improved from day to day! It seemed to Amedee as if he never had seen her before until this minute. Where had she found that supple, round w

hter a little for her attack of feminine vanity, and then bega

he resisted the military blood that burned in him, how graceful he was, and how, at eighteen

tened att

," said the spoiled child, with a serious ai

d with some scruples, he asked himself whether he ought to introduce his friend to the young Gerard girls. At first this idea made him uneasy, then he thought that it

ce reminded him of th

ee presented him

e family's resources, for the engraver was more red-faced than ever, and obliged to ch

highest pitch. He modestly asked Father Gerard's advice upon his project of painting, amusing himself with the knickknacks about the apartments, picking out by instinct the best engravings and canvases of value. The good man was enchanted with Maurice and hastened to show him his private museum, forgetting

great deal about little Maria for several days, he as

you thin

, "Delicious!" and cha