But "Monsieur," when once he had caught sight of those dark eyes, climbed steadily down to the bottom, and had reached the lost parasol before the string of polite protestations had ceased.

The ascent was quickly accomplished, and he stood at the summit, hat in hand, to return the object of his search to its rightful owner.

There was not a trace of embarrassment on his face; and he looked the foreign lady boldly in the eyes as he bowed.

She could not express her thanks sufficiently, and would probably have wished to continue expressing them for some time longer to the handsome and herculean young man, who had apparently started out of space to her assistance; but when Claudius had taken a good look he simply answered-- "Il n'y a pas de quoi, Madame," and bowing low walked off.

Perhaps the least contraction of curiosity was in his eyes; and he would have liked to know who the lady was who had the crown and the large M carved in the ivory of her parasol stick.