The young man pounced upon it with instant avidity, returning it to its owner with that air that seems to flourish in parks and public places--a compound of gallantry and hope, tempered with respect for the policeman on the beat. In a pleasant voice, he risked an inconsequent remark upon the weather--that introductory topic responsible for so much of the world's unhappiness--and stood poised for a moment, awaiting his fate.