He sat now like a man temporarily stupefied.

He was too amazed to find any sinister significance in this mission.

He could only gasp.

The ambassador's voice, as he continued talking smoothly, seemed to reach him from a long way off.
"It may be a little contrary to your wishes, my friend," the latter proceeded, "to find yourself so far from the throb of our great struggle, yet in these days we serve best who obey.

It is the wish of those who stand for France that you should take that packet and board that steamer." Monsieur Pailleton began in some measure to recover himself.