He turned sharply round on Daddy Tantaine's entrance; and so accustomed were these men to read each other's faces at a glance that Hortebise saw at once what had happened; for Tantaine's expression plainly said, "Is Flavia mad to be here ?" while the eyes of Hortebise answered, "She may be, but I could not help it." Paul turned, too, and greeted the old man with an exclamation of delight.
"Come here," said he merrily, "and just see to what a wretched state I have been reduced between the doctor and M.Mascarin." Tantaine examined the wound carefully.

"Are you quite sure," asked he, "that not only will it deceive the Duke, who will see but with our eyes, but also those of his wife, and perhaps of his medical man ?" "We will hoodwink the lot of them." "And how long must we wait," asked the old man, "until the place skins over, and assumes the appearance of having been there from childhood ?" "In a month's time Paul can be introduced to the Duke de Champdoce." "Are you speaking seriously ?" "Listen to me.

The scar will not be quite natural then, but I intend to subject it to various other modes of treatment." The dressing was now over, and Paul's shirt being readjusted, he was permitted to lie down again.
"I am quite willing to remain here forever," said he, "as long as I am allowed to retain the services of the nurse that I have in the next room, and who, I am sure, is waiting with the greatest eagerness for your departure." Hortebise fumed, and cast a glance at Paul which seemed to say, "Be silent;" but the conceited young man paid no heed to it.
"How long has this charming nurse been with you ?" asked Tantaine in an unnatural voice.
"Ever since I have been in bed," returned Paul with the air of a gay young fellow.

"I wrote a note that I was unable to go over to her, so she came to me.

I sent my letter at nine o'clock, and at ten minutes past she was with me." The diplomatic doctor slipped behind Tantaine, and made violent gestures to endeavor to persuade Paul to keep silence, but all was in vain.
"M.