He will be just what we wish." "Are you sure," asked Hortebise, "that Flavia will have nothing to say in this matter ?" "I had rather, with your permission, say nothing on that head," returned Mascarin.

He broke off his speech and listened eagerly.

"There is some one listening," said he.

"Hark!" The sound was repeated, and the doctor was about to seek refuge in the inner room, when Mascarin laid a detaining hand upon his arm.
"Stay," observed he, "it is only Beaumarchef;" and as he spoke, he struck a gilded bell that stood on his desk.

In another instant Beaumarchef appeared, and with an air in which familiarity was mingled with respect, he saluted in military fashion.
"Ah," said the doctor pleasantly, "do you take your nips of brandy regularly ?" "Only occasionally, sir," stammered the man.
"Too often, too often, my good fellow.