He treated the strangers to a distant bow, and, without looking at them, took his seat with a nonchalant ease, becoming a man who travelled with viscountesses, and was at home in the best company.

The table had his first hungry glance.
He espied roast and cold, a pair of smoking ducklings just set on, a dish of trout, a round of beef, a pigeon-pie, and hot rolls.

Relieved, he heaved a sigh of satisfaction.
''Pon honour this is not so bad!' he said.

'It is not what your ladyship is accustomed to, but at a pinch it will do.

It will do!' He was not unwilling that the strangers should know his companion's rank, and he stole a glance at them, as he spoke, to see what impression it made.