"Hitherto I have had nothing to do with ladies.

There were very few with the Duchess of Savoy, and whenever there were receptions or state ceremonies of any kind, I was always ready to exchange with de Lisle or Chavigny, my fellow aides-de-camp.

So that during the whole time I was there, I never but once or twice accompanied the general on such occasions." "Ah, you were younger then," Home laughed.

"You have passed eighteen now, and, as you must know yourself, are by no means bad looking, with a certain air of freshness and simplicity that is so rare here in Paris that it will be regarded as refreshing and delightful after the flippancies of the court gallants." Hector laughed uncomfortably.

"I could not take up flippancies, I am afraid.