“It is not enough to discover deficiencies:  indeed, it is unjust to do so, if at the same time one cannot contrive to give the means for bettering the state of affairs.  I will not, therefore, my friends, something like a preacher in Passion Week, exhort you in general terms to repentance and amendment:  I rather wish all amiable couples the longest and most enduring happiness; and, to contribute to it myself in the surest manner, I propose to sever and abolish these most charming little segregations during our social hours.  I have,” he continued, “already provided for the execution of my project, if it should meet your approbation.  Here is a bag in which are the names of the gentlemen:  now draw, my fair ones, and be pleased to favor as your servant, for a week, him whom fate shall send you.  This is binding only within our circle; as soon as that is broken up, these connections are also abolished, and the heart may decide who shall attend you home.”

A great part of the company had been delighted with this address, and the manner in which he delivered it, and seemed to approve of the notion; yet some couples looked at each other as if they thought that it would not answer their purpose:  he therefore cried with humorous vehemence,—­

“Truly! it surprises me that some one does not spring up, and, though others hesitate, extol my plan, explain its advantages, and spare me the pain of being my own encomiast.  I am the oldest among you:  may God forgive me for that!  Already have I a bald pate, which is owing to my great meditation.”—­

Here he took off his hat—­

“But I should expose it to view with joy and honor if my lucubrations, which dry up my skin, and rob me of my finest adornment, could only be in some measure beneficial to myself and others.  We are young, my friends,—­that is good; we shall grow older,—­that is bad; we take little offence at each other,—­that is right, and in accordance with the season.  But soon, my friends, the days will come when we shall have much to be displeased at in ourselves; then, let every one see that he makes all right with himself; but, at the same time, others will take things ill of us, and on what account we shall not understand; for this we must prepare ourselves; this shall now be done.”

He had delivered the whole speech, but especially the last part, with the tone and gesture of a Capuchin; for, as he was a Catholic, he might have had abundant opportunity to study the oratory of these fathers.  He now appeared out of breath, wiped his youthful, bald head, which really gave him the look of a priest, and by these drolleries put the light-hearted company in such good humor that every one was eager to hear him longer.  But, instead of proceeding, he drew open the bag, and turned to the nearest lady.  “Now for a trial of it!” exclaimed he:  “the work will do credit to the master.  If in a week’s time we do not like it, we will give it up, and stick to the old plan.”