They tell me they have given the boat the fittings of a yacht.' 'And the young man ?' 'That is the M.Beauchamp of whom I have spoken to you, the very pick of his country, fresh, lively, original; and he can converse.

You will like him.' 'I hope so,' said the marquis, and roused a doleful laugh.

'It would seem that one does not arrive by hastening!' 'Oh! but my dear marquis, you have paid the compliment; you are like Spring thrusting in a bunch of lilac while the winds of winter blow.

If you were not expected, your expeditiousness is appreciated, be sure.' Roland fortunately did not hear the marquis compared to Spring.

He was saying: 'I wonder what those two elderly gentlemen are talking about'; and Nevil confused his senses by trying to realize that one of them was destined to be the husband of his now speechless Renee.