He was in the same dress as when he had parted from me; he was dusty, his face was pale, and the skin had made bags under his eyes.

But he stood looking at me composedly, with a smile on his lips.
"Ah!" said he, "it is my friend Mr.Aycon.Bontet, bring me some wine, too, that I may drink with my friend." And he added, addressing me: "You will find our good Bontet most obliging.

He is a tenant of mine, and he will do anything to oblige me and my friends.

Isn't it so, Bontet ?" The fellow grunted a surly and none too respectful assent, and left the room to fetch the duke his wine.

Silence followed on his departure for some seconds.