And now turning towards Fonsegue, he exclaimed: "I say, you must make one of us this evening.

Oh! it's necessary.

I want something imposing round Silviane.

Duthil will represent the Chamber, you journalism, and I finance--" But he suddenly paused on seeing Gerard, who, with a somewhat grave expression, was leisurely picking his way through the sea of skirts.

"Gerard, my friend," said the Baron, after beckoning to him, "I want you to do me a service." And forthwith he told him what was in question; how the influential critic had been prevailed upon to attend a dinner which would decide Silviane's future; and how it was the duty of all her friends to rally round her.
"But I can't," the young man answered in embarrassment.