The man spoke with an air of power and weight.
"And a student, doubtless in our Academia?
Like our Tissot?
Yes.

It may be," he continued in the same smooth tones wherein ridicule and politeness appeared to be so nicely mingled that it was difficult to judge if he spoke in jest or earnest, "like him in other things! It may be that we have gained and not lost.

And that qualities finer and more susceptible underlie an exterior more polished and an ease more complete," he bowed, "than our poor Tissot could boast! But here is Our stone angelical whereby All secret potencies to light are brought! Doubtless"-- with a wave of the hand he indicated the girl who had that moment entered--"you have met before ?" "I could not otherwise," Claude answered coldly--he began to resent both the man and his manner--"have engaged the lodging." And he rose to take from the girl's hand the broth she was bringing him.

She, on her side, made no sign that she noticed a change, or that it was no longer Tissot she served.

She gave him what he needed, mechanically and without meeting his eyes.