This ran counter to my designs; but I was embarked; so I insisted on speaking to the son in default of the father.

The Swiss porter stared at me with astonishment.
He had evidently seen me alight from a hired carriage, and so deliberated for some moments as to whether I was not too insignificant a person to have the honour of being admitted to visit the viscount." "But tell me, have you seen him ?" asked old Tabaret, unable to restrain his impatience.
"Of course, immediately," replied the advocate in a tone of bitter raillery.

"Could the examination, think you, result otherwise than in my favour?
No.

My white cravat and black costume produced their natural effect.

The Swiss porter entrusted me to the guidance of a chasseur with a plumed hat, who, led me across the yard to a superb vestibule, where five or six footmen were lolling and gaping on their seats.