Your face, which I saw just now, when you came down to have some oysters opened,--your face pleased me much.

Besides, I have observed you have a horse just like mine, and that the host, no doubt on account of that resemblance, has placed them side by side in the stable, where they appear to agree amazingly well together.

I therefore, monsieur, do not see any reason why the masters should be separated when the horses are united.

Accordingly, I am come to request the pleasure of being admitted to your table.

My name is Agnan, at your service, monsieur, the unworthy steward of a rich seigneur, who wishes to purchase some salt-mines in this country, and sends me to examine his future acquisitions.