My time is short.

I want to do the best with it I can.

Will you favour me ?' I was for withdrawing, but M.de Rosny ordered Maignan to place lights in the next room, and, apologising to me very graciously, retired thither with the stranger, leaving me relieved indeed by these peaceful appearances, but full of wonder and conjectures who this might be, and what the visit portended.

At one moment I was inclined to identify the stranger with M.de Rosny's brother; at another with the English ambassador; and then, again, a wild idea that he might be M.de Bruhl occurred to me.

The two remained together about a quarter of an hour and then came out, the stranger leading the way, and saluting me politely as he passed through the room.