Pagina 274 de 896

He was to be told (said Monseigneur) that supper awaited him then

and there, and that he was prayed to come to it. In a little

while he came. He had been known in England as Charles Darnay.

Monseigneur received him in a courtly manner, but they did not

shake hands.

"You left Paris yesterday, sir?" he said to Monseigneur, as he

took his seat at table.

"Yesterday. And you?"

"I come direct."

"From London?"

"Yes."

"You have been a long time coming," said the Marquis, with a

smile.

"On the contrary; I come direct."

"Pardon me! I mean, not a long time on the journey; a long time

intending the journey."

"I have been detained by"--the nephew stopped a moment in his

answer--"various business."

"Without doubt," said the polished uncle.

So long as a servant was present, no other words passed between

them. When coffee had been served and they were alone together,

the nephew, looking at the uncle and meeting the eyes of the face

that was like a fine mask, opened a conversation.