It was one way of looking at things. Marie had explained to me that it was a syllogism, which was apparently something to watch out for because it could lead you to the wrong conclusion. She gave some example involving Socrates, but I can’t remember how it went. Anyway, since I wasn’t exactly sure what Etienne meant by being up for it, part of the reasoning escaped me. But then as time went on, it became obvious that Etienne’s theory didn’t hold together, because he’d properly fallen in love. I like to see a theory come crashing down: it’s a sign of the real world breaking free and slipping out through the cracks. He’d even settled down and become much calmer: love never leaves you unscathed. One day he came to find me, looking bothered.

“You see things in a poetic sort of way,” he said. “Do you know what would be a good gift to give to a girl? Something subtle.”

“I don’t know, maybe flowers.”

“Flowers? No chance, she gets hay fever.”

“Then some perfume. Yes, that would be good, perfume. That’s what people usually give, flowers or perfume. Or a book, but that’s really for intellectuals and for when it gets serious.”

He seemed really anxious.

“Or you could invite her out for a meal,” I went on. “Candlelight is romantic and good for revitalizing a relationship. I once saw a film on TV about stuff like that. By the way, have you told her about your future profession?”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you told her you want to be a proctologist?”

He explained that since he’d fallen in love he’d lost interest in bum holes.

“So, for the gift, then, what do you think you’ll choose?”

“I’m going to invite her to the cinema to see a horror film and I’ll buy her some popcorn. I think that would be the most sophisticated thing to do.”

I don’t know why, but on the spur of the moment, I asked him, “I know I’m changing the subject, but do you know if our old cabin is still standing?”

“Why? Do you want to go back there to rehearse the band?”

“No, I just wanted to know if it was still in good shape.”

“Yes, it’s still standing, still got its bunks and everything, nice and comfortable… Hey, maybe that’s where I should invite her…”