It is so easy and natural to consider one's self a Frenchman--and so pleasant." Marie shuffled with her feet and made a movement of impatience, as if to remind them that they were still far from the business in hand and were merely talking of themselves, which is the beginning of all things--or may be the beginning of the inevitable end.
"But I forgot," said Barebone, at once.

"And it is getting late.

Your father has had a slight misfortune.

He has sprained his ankle.

He is on board my ship, the ship of which I am--I have been--an officer, lying at anchor in the river near here, off the village of Mortagne.