I would have said more but I could not; my voice broke with the sweetness and youthful gladness of it, and there was such bliss in my heart as I had never known before in my life.
“All this as rational and edifying,” said my antagonist, “and in any case you are an original person.”
“You may laugh,” I said to him, laughing too, “but afterwards you will approve of me.”
“Oh, I am ready to approve of you now,” said he; “will you shake hands? for I believe you are genuinely sincere.”
“No,” I said, “not now, later on when I have grown worthier and deserve your esteem, then shake hands and you will do well.”
We went home, my second upbraiding me all the way, while I kissed him. All my comrades heard of the affair at once and gathered together to pass judgment on me the same day.
“He has dis
