Moreover, he was wounded, and before he had sufficiently recovered to offer interference it was more than probable that Andrea would have married one or the other of Mesdemoiselles de Canaples--though I had a shrewd suspicion that it would be the wrong one, and there again I feared trouble.
As I stood up, booted and ready to descend, there came a gentle tap at my door, and, in answer to my "Enter," there stood before me a very dainty and foppish figure.

I stared hard at the effeminate face and the long fair locks of my visitor, thinking that I had become the dupe of my eyes.
"M.

de Vilmorin!" I murmured in astonishment, as he came forward, having closed the door.

"You here ?" In answer, he bowed and greeted me with cold ceremoniousness.
"I have been in Blois since yesterday, Monsieur." "In truth I might have guessed it, Vicomte.

Your visit flatters me, for, of course, I take it, you are come to pay me your respects," I said ironically.