He had just that irritating manner which sometimes became very nearly offensive, but was at the same time so polished, that it would indicate a want of good breeding to be annoyed at it.

It was thus a real treat for Uncle Richard to see the magistrate, with all his aplomb, writhe under Delphin's adroit and sarcastic rejoinders.

Aalbom, on the other hand, was not so well bred, and often, therefore, broke through conventionalities, to the great delight of both the _attache_ and the magistrate.
Uncle Richard had on this occasion led the conversation in a direction which he knew would be at the same time entertaining and interesting.
The subject was the position of the country with regard to other nations.

Mr.Hiorth had been in Paris under Louis Philippe, and Delphin had two years previously made a summer tour through Europe, while the schoolmaster had been at the University of Copenhagen.

Delphin's account of his travels was most animated, and culminated in the greatest admiration for Paris.