watching for you at every corner; all its snares are laid, all its
weapons are sharpened, all its guiles are prepared! Beware of
love.... Beware of love. It is more dangerous than brandy, bronchitis,
or pleurisy! It never forgives, and makes everybody commit irreparable
follies."

"Yes, Monsieur, I say that the French Government ought to put large
public notices on the walls, with these words: '_Return of Spring. French
citizens, beware of love!_' just as they put: '_Beware of paint._'

"However, as the government will not do this, I must supply its place,
and I say to you: 'Beware of love,' for it is just going to seize you,
and it is my duty to inform you of it, just as in Russia they inform
anyone that his nose is frozen."

I was much astonished at this individual, and assuming a dignified
manner, I said:

"Really, Monsieur, you appear to me to be interfering in a matter which
is no business of yours."

He made an abrupt movement, and replied:

"Ah! Monsieur! Monsieur! If I see that a man is in danger of being
drowned at a dangerous spot, ought I to let him perish? So just listen to
my story, and you will see why I ventured to speak to you like this.

"It was about this time last year that it occurred. But, first of all, I
must tell you that I am a clerk in the Admirality, where our chiefs, the
commissioners, take their gold lace and quill-driving officers seriously,