,
Jack saw D'Argenton just issuing from the door, followed by Moronval,
who was carrying a bundle of proofs.

"Here is Jack!" said Moronval.

The poet started and looked up. To see these two men, one dressed with
so much care, brushed, perfumed, and gloved; the other in a velvet coat,
much too short for him, shiny from wear and weather, no one would have
supposed that any tie could exist between them.

Jack extended his hand to D'Argenton, who gave one finger in return, and
asked if the house at Aulnettes was rented.

"Rented?" said the other, not understanding.

"To be sure. Seeing you here, I supposed that of course the house was
occupied, and you were compelled to leave it."

"No," said Jack, somewhat disconcerted; "no one has even called to look
at the place."

"What are you here for?"

"To see my mother."

"Filial affection is a most excellent thing. Unfortunately, however,
there are travelling expenses to be thought of."

"I came on foot," said Jack, with simple dignity.

"Indeed!" drawled D'Argenton, and then added, "I am glad to see that your
legs are in better order than your arms."

And pleased at this mot, the poet bowed coldly, and went on.

A week before, and these words would have scarcely been noticed by Jack,
but since the previous night he had not been the same person. His pride
was now so wounded that he would have returned to Aulnettes without
seeing his mother, had he not wished to speak to her most seriously.
He entered the salon; it was in disorder: chairs and benches were being
brought in, for a great fete was in progress of arrangement, which
was the reason that D'Argenton was so out of temper on seeing
Jack. Charlotte did not appear pleased, but stopped in some of her
preparations.

"Is it you, my dear Jack. You come for money, too, I fancy. I forgot it
utterly,--that is, I begged Dr. Hirsch to hand it to you. He is going
to Aulnettes in two or three days to make some very curious experiments
with perfumes. He has made an extraordinary discovery."

They were talking in the centre of the room; a half dozen workmen were
going to and fro, driving nails, and moving the furniture.

"I wish to speak seriously," said Jack.

"What! now? You know that serious conversation is not my forte; and
to-day all is in confusion. We have sent out five hundred invitations,
it will be superb! Come here, then, if it is absolutely necessary.
I have arranged a veranda for smoking. Come and see if