At thirty-one does a man begin to range himself?
"Ah, well!" thought I, "_vogue la galere_." I had made a beginning, and in Norfolk they do not breed men who leave a quest half accomplished.
For a moment I waited, and Madame seemed to have nothing more to say.
I had not at that time, nor indeed have I since, acquired that polish of the world which takes the form of a brilliant, and I suspect insincere, manner in society.

I had no compliments ready.

I therefore took my leave.
The Vicomte accompanied me to the top of the stairs, and there made sure that the servants were awaiting my departure in the hall.
"To-morrow morning," he said, with a friendly touch on my arm, "you shall have my answer." With this news then I returned to my comfortable quarters in John Turner's _appartement_ in the Avenue d'Antan.

I found that great banker about to partake of luncheon, which was served to him at midday, after the fashion of the country of his adoption.

During my walk across the river and through the gardens of the Tuileries--at that time at the height of their splendour--I had not reflected very deeply on the matter in hand.