in?"

"And you mention this to us now for the first time?" said the Lord of
Beauvais.

"You learn it now quite time enough," replied the doctor in his
phlegmatical humour; "yes, indeed, the vagabond is returned after many
years, he has had some experience, the hair-brained fellow. He has
studied in foreign universities, has seen Holland, England, and
Scotland, has wandered among the various tribes of India and now he is
at length returned suddenly and to my great satisfaction just as mad
and wild as ever, but well informed. He has heard wonders related of
our prophets in this country. He has seen many plants and animals of
this species in Asia, and seems as if fallen from the clouds, that, as
he turned his back upon them, a much more extraordinary plant should
have shot up in his own country close on the threshold of his native
home, than any he had observed in tropical climates, nor has he left me
a moments peace, until I promised to set out with him accompanied by
you too. 'But why did he not come here immediately with you?' cried
Edmond.

"His mother, his cousins, his acquaintances," answered Vila, "The whole
town of St. Hypolite would not let him go so quickly, he is obliged to
narrate until his throat is dry, he now waits to embrace you in the
little inn in the wood, and will then set out with you on your
chivalrous expedition.--Now my old friend, make no objections, grant
this pleasure to the young people."

"Well, be mad then," said the Counsellor of Parliament, "but there is
something in my breast that disapproves of this step. May heaven guide
you my son!"--They took leave, the carriage drew up, they ascended into
it in order to get over the first few miles.

Scarcely had they departed, when the servant entered hastily from the
garden. "A brilliant equipage is advancing on the road from Nismes, I
think a visit is intended for you, my Lord."

The Counsellor of Parliament hurried into the hall. "How," exclaimed he
astonished, "it is the Intendant himself, the Lord of Basville."--The
carriage stopped and a tall grave looking man, advanced in years,
descended and approached the master of the house with solemn steps.
They saluted each other and after a short pause the intendant began:
"You are doubtlessly surprised, my Lord Counsellor, to see me here, but
a matter of importance has led me to you, it appeared to me more
courteous to visit you myself than to request your presence at Nismes,
where, perhaps our