"Well, Raoul, since you are entirely mine, I will give up my whole day to
you. Embrace me - again, again! You are at home, vicomte! Ah, there is
our old Grimaud! Come in, Grimaud: monsieur le vicomte is desirous of
embracing you likewise."

The good old man did not require to be twice told; he rushed in with open
arms, Raoul meeting him half-way.

"Now, if you please, we will go into the garden, Raoul. I will show you
the new lodging I have had prepared for you during your leave of absence;
and whilst examining the last winter's plantations, and two saddle-horses
I have just acquired, you will give me all the news of our friends in
Paris."

The comte closed his manuscript, took the young man's arm, and went out
into the gardens with him.

Grimaud looked at Raoul with a melancholy air as the young man passed
out; observing that his head nearly touched the _traverse_ of the
doorway, stroking his white _royale_, he slowly murmured:-

"How he has grown!"


Chapter V:
In which Something will be said of Cropoli - of Cropoli and of a Great
Unknown Painter.

Whilst the Comte de la Fere with Raoul visits the new buildings he has