received him in a courtly manner, but they did

not shake hands.

“You left Paris yesterday, sir?” he said to Monseigneur, as he

took his seat at table.

“Yesterday. And you?”

“I come direct.”

“From London?”

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“Yes.”

“You have been a long time coming,” said the Marquis, with a

smile.

“On the contrary; I come direct.”

“Pardon me! I mean, not a long time on the journey; a long time

intending the journey.”

“I have been detained by”the nephew stopped a moment in

his answer“various business.”

“Without doubt,” said the polished uncle.

So long as a servant was present, no other words passed

between them. When coffee had been served and they were alone

together, the nephew, looking at the uncle and meeting the eyes of

the face that was like a fine mask, opened a conversation.

“I have come back, sir, as you anticipate, pursuing the object

that took me away. It carried me into great and unexpected peril;