Polish aristocratic families. The devil alone knew the thoughts that
were in Clementine's head, for she sat still, with thoughtful, dreamy
eyes, and without saying a word until they reached home.

"You will dine with us; I shall be angry if you disobey me," she said
as the carriage turned in. "You are Thaddeus to me, as you are to
Adam. I know your obligations to him, but I also know those we are
under to you. Both generosities are natural--but you are generous
every day and all day. My father dines here to-day, also my uncle
Ronquerolles and my aunt Madame de Serizy. Dress yourself therefore,"
she said, taking the hand he offered to assist her from the carriage.

Thaddeus went to his own room to dress with a joyful heart, though
shaken by an inward dread. He went down at the last moment and behaved
through dinner as he had done on the first occasion, that is, like a
soldier fit only for his duties as a steward. But this time Clementine
was not his dupe; his glance had enlightened her. The Marquis de
Ronquerolles, one of the ablest diplomates after Talleyrand, who had
served with de Marsay during his short ministry, had been informed by
his niece of the real worth and character of Comte Paz, and knew how
modestly he made himself the steward of his friend Laginski.

"And why is this the first time I have the pleasure of seeing Comte
Paz?" asked the marquis.

"Because he is so shy and retiring," replied Clementine with a look at
Paz telling him to change his behavior.

Alas! that we should have to avow it, at the risk of rendering the
captain less interesting, but Paz, though superior to his friend Adam,