Page:The Professor (1857 Volume 2).djvu/194

 I had much ado to refrain from laughing as I beheld the magnanimous pity of his mien; maintaining, however, a grave air, I said—

"I thought you would have liked to have seen Mdlle. Henri?"

"Oh that is the name! Yes—if it would be convenient I should like to see her—but." He hesitated.

"Well?"

"I should on no account wish to intrude."

"Come then," said I. We set out. Hunsden no doubt regarded me as a rash, imprudent man, thus to show my poor little grisette sweetheart, in her poor little unfurnished grenier; but he prepared to act the real gentleman, having, in fact, the kernel of that character, under the harsh husk it pleased him to wear by way of mental mackintosh. He talked affably, and even gently, as we went along the street; he had never been so civil to me in his life. We reached the house, entered, ascended the stair; on gaining