Then only did he seem to notice Sir John, and held out his hand to him.
"You have just rendered me a great service, my lord," he said.

"One of those services which bind men for all eternity.

I am already your friend; will you do me the honor to become mine ?" Sir John pressed the hand that Roland offered him.
"Oh!" said he, "I thank you heartily.

I should never have dared ask this honor; but you offer it and I accept." Even the impassible Englishman felt his heart soften as he brushed away the tear that trembled on his lashes.

Then looking at Roland, he said: "It is unfortunate that you are so hurried; I should have been pleased and delighted to spend a day or two with you." "Where were you going, my lord, when I met you ?" "Oh, I?
Nowhere.