"Ah, it has aged me five years! I was at the door, bowing to monsieur, and in a moment it had me from behind." "It was my fault for leaving the bag loose.

The creature was but pupped the day we left New York, six weeks come Tuesday.

Do I speak with my father's friend, Monsieur Catinat ?" "No, monsieur," said the guardsman, from the staircase.

"My uncle is out, but I am Captain de Catinat, at your service, and here is Mademoiselle Catinat, who is your hostess." The stranger ascended the stair, and paid his greetings to them both with the air of a man who was as shy as a wild deer, and yet who had steeled himself to carry a thing through.

He walked with them to the sitting-room, and then in an instant was gone again, and they heard his feet thudding upon the stairs.