Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/222

144 shall not be able to say one word to you; I shall say the improprieties; and besides she has a tall, raw-boned daughter who is perhaps unmarried still"

"She is a charming girl—and in regard to improprieties, it is one to speak of her as you are doing."

"I am wrong, it is true; but—as I have but just arrived, would I not appear to be a little too attentive?"

"Very well, do as you please; but see here. Max,—as the friend of your aunt, I have the right to speak frankly to you—avoid your old associates. Time has naturally broken off the friendships which were worthless to you; do not renew them. I am sure of you so long as you are not under bad influences. At your age—at our age, one should be rational. But enough of good advice and sermonising! What have you been doing since we last met? I know that you travelled through Germany, then Italy; no more. You have written me twice only, if you will remember. Two letters in two years, you must know that that has scarcely kept me informed concerning you."

"Is it possible, madam? I am indeed culpable—but I am so—it must be confessed I suppose—so lazy!—I commenced writing you