I have a few questions to ask you, and if your answers are satisfactory you may yet find my acquaintance as profitable as though I had been the pigeon I seemed.

Keep your seat, Monsieur le Baron!" Monsieur Louis, who had half risen, sat down again hastily.

They all watched him from their places around the table.

It was Madame whom he addressed more directly--Madame with the jet black hair and golden earrings, the pale cheeks and scarlet lips.
"I invited you into a private room here," he said, "because what I have said to you three is between ourselves alone.

You came, I presume, because it promised to be profitable.