her. Lord! I once tried to love a monkey and had better luck.
The colonel keeps all the men to herself. Whom have I seen for a
year? Dieu! women, grandpapas, greasy guides! Not a young man
since we left Paris."

"My dear Louison!" said the other, "there are many things better
than men."

"Au nom de Dieu! But I should like to know what they are. I have
never seen them."

"But often men are false and evil," said the other, in a sweet, low
voice.

"Nonsense!" said the first, impatiently. "I had rather elope with
a one-legged hostler than always live in these woods."

"Louison! You ought to cross yourself and repeat a Hail Mary."

"Thanks! I have tried prayer. It is n't what I need. I am no nun
like you. My dear sister, don't you ever long for the love of a
man--a big, handsome, hearty fellow who could take you up in his
arms and squeeze the life out of you?"

"Eh bien," said the other, with a sigh, "I suppose it is very nice.
I do not dare to think of it."

"Nice! It is heaven, Louise! And to see a man like that and not
be permitted to--to speak to him! Think of it! A young and
handsome man--the first I have seen for a year! Honestly I could