Man and Maid

In the afternoon Maurice and Alwood Chester, and Madame de Clerté came

to see me, and all exclaimed at my improved appearance.

"Why you look like a million dollars, Nicholas," Alwood said, "What is

up, old bird?"

"I am getting well, that is all."

"We are going to have a party on Sunday to introduce you to the

loveliest young girl in Paris," Solonge announced. "The daughter of a

friend of mine without a great dot, but that does not matter for you,

Nicholas. We think that you should marry and marry a jeune fille

francaise!"

"That is sweet of you. I have shown how I appreciate young girls, have

not I?"

"For that--no!" she laughed, "But the time has come--."

I felt amused, what will Alathea think of these, my friends? Solonge is

the best of them.

Maurice had an air of anxiety underneath his watchful friendliness. He's

fine enough to feel atmospheres, or whatever it is that comes from

people, not in words. He felt that some great change had taken place in

me, and he was not sure what aspect it would have in regard to himself.

He came back after he had seen Madame de Clerté to her coupé!--She has

essence also now,--and his rather ridiculous, kindly, effeminate,

little dark face was appealing.

"Eh bien, mon ami?" he said.

"Eh bien?"

"There is something, Nicholas, what? Was the clue of any use to you?"

"Yes, thank you a thousand times, Maurice, I could trace the whole

thing. Miss Sharp comes of a very distinguished family, which I know all

about. Her uncle is a miserable Earl! That is respectable enough,

especially a tenth Earl! And her maternal grandfather was a 'Marquess.'"

"Vrai, mon vieux?"

"Quite true!"

Maurice was duly interested.

"You were right then about the breeding, it always does show."

I had difficulty in not telling him my news, but I thought it wiser to

remain silent until after Friday! Friday! Day of days!

Maurice suspected that there was something beyond in all this, and was

not sure which course would be the best to pursue; one of sympathy or

unconsciousness. He decided upon the latter and presently left me.

Then I telephoned to Cartier to hare some rings sent up to look at. I

have a feeling that I must be very discreet about giving Alathea

presents, or she will be resentful and even suspect that my bargain is

not entirely a business one. I am afraid I seemed a little too pleased

at our interview; I must be indifferently aloof on Friday.