stranger, he fixed upon him his penetrating eyes, which
scrutiny, the stranger, on his part, sustained without
embarrassment or notice. At the end of a few seconds, the
general made a gesture with his hand and head in sign of
attention.

"My lord," said the gentleman, in excellent English. "I have
requested an interview with your honor, for an affair of
importance."

"Monsieur," replied Monk, in French, "you speak our language
well for a son of the continent. I ask your pardon -- for
doubtless the question is indiscreet -- do you speak French
with the same purity?"

"There is nothing surprising, my lord, in my speaking
English tolerably; I resided for some time in England in my
youth, and since then I have made two voyages to this
country." These words were spoken in French, and with a
purity of accent that bespoke not only a Frenchman, but a
Frenchman from the vicinity of Tours.

"And what part of England have you resided in, monsieur?"

"In my youth, London, my lord, then, about 1635, I made a
pleasure trip to Scotland; and lastly, in 1648, I lived for
some time at Newcastle, particularly in the convent, the
gardens of which are now occupied by your army."

"Excuse me, monsieur, but you must comprehend that these