And as I remember, you were a pitiful looking young beggar." Turning to Brother Jacques, the marquis said: "Have I ever done you a service ?" "No, Monsieur le Marquis; you have never done me a service." There was a strange irony beneath the surface of these words.

Chaumonot did not notice it, but the marquis, who was a perfect judge of all those subtile phases of conversation, caught the jangling note; and it caused him to draw together his brows in a puzzled frown.
"Have I ever met you till now ?" he asked.
"Not that I know of, Monsieur." The tone was gentle, respectful.
"There is something familiar about your face;" and the marquis stared into space; but he could not conjure up the memory he sought.

He had seen this handsome priestly face before.

Where?
Brother Jacques's features were without definite expression.
Presently the marquis roused himself from the past.

"I received your letter in regard to funds.