And how is your father?
Still the same polished grand seigneur?
I never saw him but once, you know; and I shall never forget his smile, style grand monarque, when he patted me on the head and tipped me ten napoleons." "My father is no more," said Alain, gravely; "he has been dead nearly three years." "Ciel! forgive me; I am greatly shocked.

Hem! so you are now the Marquis de Rochebriant, a great historical name, worth a large sum in the market.

Few such names left.

Superb place your old chateau, is it not ?" "A superb place, no--a venerable ruin, yes!" "Ah, a ruin! so much the better.

All the bankers are mad after ruins: so charming an amusement to restore them.