I am quite at your service now, and will wait until these gentlemen have finished their business with you." And as he concluded, he again placed the cigar which he had removed while saying these words, to his lips.
His manner was very insolent, and yet the amiable Mascarin did not seem offended, although he loathed the scent of tobacco.
"We had begun to despair of seeing you, Marquis," answered he politely.
"I say so, because these gentlemen are here to meet you.

Permit me to introduce to you, Dr.Hortebise, M.Catenac of the Parisian bar, and our secretary," pointing as he spoke, to Paul.
As soon as Croisenois had taken his seat, Mascarin went straight to the point, as a bullet to the target.

"I do not intend," began he, "to leave you in doubt for a moment.

Beatings about the bush would be absurd among persons like ourselves." At finding himself thus classed with the other persons present, the Marquis gave a little start, and then drawled out, "You flatter me, really." "I may tell you, Marquis," resumed Mascarin, "that your marriage has been definitely arranged by myself and my associates.

All you have to do is to get the young lady's consent; for that of the Count and Countess has already been secured." "There will be no difficulty in that," lisped the Marquis.