hair, and lighted by cold, round black eyes.

The pride that becomes a gentleman, and the humility that befits a
Christian, were continually at war with each other in his countenance.

He pressed the hands of M. de Sairmeuse and Martial, overwhelming them
with compliments uttered in a thin, rather nasal voice, which, issuing
from his immense body, was as astonishing as the sound of a flute
issuing from the pipes of an orphicleide would be.

"At last you have come," he said; "we were waiting for you before
beginning our deliberations upon a very grave, and also very delicate
matter. We are thinking of addressing a petition to His Majesty. The
nobility, who have suffered so much during the Revolution, have a right
to expect ample compensation. Our neighbors, to the number of sixteen,
are now assembled in my cabinet, transformed for the time into a council
chamber."

Martial shuddered at the thought of all the ridiculous and tiresome
conversation he would probably be obliged to hear; and his father's
recommendation occurred to him.

"Shall we not have the honor of paying our respects to Mademoiselle de
Courtornieu?"

"My daughter must be in the drawing-room with our cousin," replied
the marquis, in an indifferent tone; "at least, if she is not in the
garden."

This might be construed into, "Go and look for her if you choose." At