Without doubt, Lord Taunton, he is '_noble_' ?" "He is what you call '_noble_,'" replied Lord Taunton--"that is, what we call a 'gentleman;' his name is Maltravers.

He lately came of age; and has, I believe, rather a good property." "Monsieur Maltravers; only Monsieur ?" repeated Madame de Ventadour.
"Why," said the French minister, "you understand that the English _gentilhomme_ does not require a De or a title to distinguish him from the _roturier_." "I know that; but he has an air above a simple _gentilhomme_.

There is something _great_ in his look; but it is not, I must own, the conventional greatness of rank: perhaps he would have looked the same had he been born a peasant." "You don't think him handsome ?" said Lord Taunton, almost angrily (for he was one of the Beauty-men, and Beauty-men are sometimes jealous).
"Handsome! I did not say that," replied Madame de Ventadour, smiling; "it is rather a fine head than a handsome face.

Is he clever, I wonder ?--but all you English, milord, are well educated." "Yes, profound--profound: we are profound, not superficial," replied Lord Taunton, drawing down his wrist-bands.
"Will Madame de Ventadour allow me to present to her one of my countrymen ?" said the English minister approaching--"Mr.Maltravers." Madame de Ventadour half smiled and half blushed, as she looked up, and saw bent admiringly upon her the proud and earnest countenance she had remarked.
The introduction made--a few monosyllables exchanged.

The French diplomatist rose and walked away with the English one.