s faith,
therefore, should have the simplicity of a child, though united to the
firm conviction of an intelligent man, who has examined the foundations
of his creed. His fresh and original way of looking at things must be
entirely free from affectation or desire to show off. His words will
be few and fit, and his mind so richly stored, that he cannot possibly
become a bore to himself any more than to others.

"All his thoughts must have a high and chivalrous character, without
alloy of self-seeking; while his actions should be marked by a total
absence of interested or sordid motives. Any weak points he may have
will arise from the very elevation of his views above those of the
common herd, for in every respect I would have him superior to his age.
Ever mindful of the delicate attentions due to the weak, he will be
gentle to all women, but not prone lightly to fall in love with any; for
love will seem to him too serious to turn into a game.

"Thus it might happen that he would spend his life in ignorance of
true love, while all the time possessing those qualities most fitted
to inspire it. But if ever he find the ideal woman who has haunted his
waking dreams, if he meet with a nature capable of understanding his
own, one who could fill his soul and pour sunlight over his life, could
shine as a star through the mists of this chill and gloomy world, lend
fresh charm to existence, and draw music from the hitherto silent chords
of his being--needless to say, he would recognize and welcome his good
fortune.

"And she, too, would be happy. Never, by word or look, would he wound
the tender heart which abandoned itself to him, with the blind trust of
a child reposing in its mother's arms. For were the vision shattered, it
would be the wreck of her inner life. To the mighty waters of love she
would confide her all!

"The man I picture must belong, in expression, in attitude, in gait, in
his way of performing alike the smallest and the greatest actions, to
that race of the truly great who are always simple and natural. He need
not be good-looking, but his hands must be beautiful. His upper lip will
curl with a careless, ironic smile for the general public, whilst he
reserves for those he loves the heavenly, radiant glance in which he
puts his soul."

"Will mademoiselle allow me," he said in Spanish, in a voice full of
agitation, "to keep this writing in memory of her? This is the last
lesson I shall have the honor of giving