CHAPTER XXV.
A NEW SKIN.
Dr.Hortebise's private arrangements were sadly upset by his being compelled to accede to the desire of Tantaine and Mascarin, and in granting hospitality to Paul Violaine; and in spite of the brilliant visions of the future, he often devoutly wished that Mascarin and his young friend were at the other side of the world; but for all that he never thought of attempting to evade the order he had received.

He therefore set himself steadily to his task, endeavoring to form Paul's mind, blunt his conscience, and prepare him for the inevitable part that he would soon have to play.
Paul found in him a most affable companion, pleasant, witty, and gifted with great conversational powers.

Five days were thus spent breakfasting at well-known restaurants, driving in the Bois, and dining at clubs of which the doctor was a member, while the evenings were passed at the banker's.

The doctor played cards with his host, while Paul and Flavia conversed together in low whispers, or else hung over the piano together.

But every kind of agreeable existence comes to an end, and one day Daddy Tantaine entered the room, his face radiant with delight.
"I have secured you the sweetest little nest in the world," cried he merrily.