"And why will not Smith go with us?" I asked. "It is very true that he
has duties here, but can he not obtain leave of absence? Moreover, will
not the talents he possesses and which he is unwilling to use assure him
an honorable living anywhere? Let him come along with us; the carriage is
large and we offer him a place in it. A young man should see the world
and there is nothing so irksome for a man of his age as confinement in an
office and restriction to a narrow circle. Is it not true?" I asked,
turning to Brigitte. "Come, my dear, let your credit obtain from him what
he might refuse me; urge him to give us six weeks of his time. We will
travel together and, after a tour of Switzerland, he will return to his
duties with new life."
Brigitte joined her entreaties to mine, although she knew it was only a
joke on my part. Smith could not leave Paris without danger of losing his
position and replied that he regretted being obliged to deny himself the
pleasure of accompanying us. Nevertheless, I continued to press him, and,
ordering another bottle of wine, I repeated my invitation. After dinner,
I went out to assure myself that my orders were carried out; then I
returned in high spirits, and seating myself at the piano, I proposed
some music.
"Let us pass the evening here," I said; "believe me it is better than
going to the theater; I can not take part myself, but I can listen.
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