Harry did not understand the words, but he felt the tone of kindness
and courtesy with which they were spoken. He could, however, only
bow; for although in the eight days he had spent with M. du Tillet
he had picked up a great many nouns and a few phrases, his stock
of words was of no use to him at present.

"And you, M. du Tillet," the marquis said. "You have made a good
journey, I hope? I thank you much for the trouble you have taken.
I like the boy's looks; what do you think of him?"

"I like him very much," M. du Tillet said; "he is a new type to
me, and a pleasant one. I think he will make a good companion for
the young count."

The marquis now turned and led the way into a great drawing-room,
and taking Harry's hand led him up to a lady seated on a couch.

"This is our young English friend, Julie. Of course he is strange
at present, but M. du Tillet reports well of him, and I already
like his face."

The lady held out her hand, which Harry, instead of bending over
and kissing, as she had expected, shook heartily. For an instant
only a look of intense surprise passed across her face; then she
said courteously:

"We are glad to see you. It is very good of you to come so far to
us. I trust that you will be happy here."

"These are my sons Ernest and Jules, who will, I am sure, do all