Cropole turned around, and, on seeing the old man, cleared a
passage for him.

The window was instantly closed.

Pittrino pointed out the way to the newly-arrived guest, who
entered without uttering a word.

The stranger waited for him on the landing; he opened his
arms to the old man and led him to a seat.

"Oh, no, no, my lord!" said he. "Sit down in your presence?
-- never!"

"Parry," cried the gentleman, "I beg you will; you come from
England -- you come so far. Ah! it is not for your age to
undergo the fatigues my service requires. Rest yourself."

"I have my reply to give your lordship, in the first place."

"Parry, I conjure you to tell me nothing; for if your news
had been good, you would not have begun in such a manner;
you go about, which proves that the news is bad."

"My lord," said the old man, "do not hasten to alarm
yourself, all is not lost, I hope. You must employ energy,
but more particularly resignation."

"Parry," said the young man, "I have reached this place
through a thousand snares and after a thousand difficulties;