Thereupon Caroline Hequet wagered in a low voice that it was an English lord who was on the eve of returning to London to be married.

She knew him quite well--she had had him.

And this account of the matter went the round of the ladies present, Maria Blond alone asserting that, for her part, she recognized a German ambassador.

She could prove it, because he often passed the night with one of her friends.

Among the men his measure was taken in a few rapid phrases.