University of Virginia Library

How Frenchmen End It

“But Frenchmen are naturally very gallant, aren't they?” What better subject to talk to a Latin of than love?

“It is their birthright,” said Chevalier. “It is in the bone and blood of the Frenchman. He is courteous even to a scrubwoman. When he terminates a love affair, he does it with finesse. He leaves a regret behind—it is fragrance of memory. Is not that better than a bitterness?

“He makes an art of love. It is done in little, fine ways, you understand. His attitude to women is always deferential, tender, admiring. It makes the ladies feel very good.”

“But is it not insincere?”

“No, not insincere, for while he speaks or looks at the

woman, he means what he looks and speaks. His heart is impressionable. He loves for the moment. All his life, the Frenchman loves—even when little boy. When he grows to man, he is in chronic love. Maybe he has many little love affairs. He does not despise—‘Un Peu d'Amour.’ You know the song, Madame? It is French. It means ‘A Little Love.’ Not the grande passion, you understand, which comes but once in a man's life—but—un peu d'amour.”

Chevalier beamed. He was feeling very pleased with himself I think, and he began to tell me of the little gallantries and courtesies that women love. It may be only a look of admiration—perhaps the gift of a bouquet; the manner in which he lifts his hat; his deferential bow. A woman loves a compliment as a kitten does cream. To say to a woman: Ah, you are looking charming today, mademoiselle, is to make her feel better for all the rest of that day. Dainty, fastidious, exquisite, unobtrusive little attentions—a woman will always react to these. Yes, undoubtedly, the Frenchman was the supreme lover of the world.