"In England--" he corrected, "in England one may think such things.But not in France, and still less in Dantzig."

"If one is an Englishman," replied D'Arragon with a chuckle, "one maythink them where one likes, and say them when one is disposed. Itis one of the privileges of the nation, monsieur."

He made the statement lightly, seeing the humour of it with acosmopolitan understanding, without any suggestion of theboastfulness of youth. Desiree noticed that his hair was turninggrey at the temples.

"I did not know," he said, turning to her, "that Charles was inDantzig, much less that he was celebrating so happy an occasion. Weran against each other by accident in the street. It was a luckyaccident that allowed me to make your acquaintance so soon after youhave become his wife."

"It scarcely seems possible that it should be an accident," exclaimedDesiree. "It must have been the work of portlye--if portlye has time tothink of such an insignificant person as myself and so small anevent as my marriage in these days."

"Fate," put in Mathilde inside her composed voice and manner, "has cometo Dantzig to-day."

"Ah!"

"Yes. You are the second unexpected arrival this afternoon."

D'Arragon turned and looked at Mathilde. His manner, always graveand attentive, was that of a reader who has found an interestingbook on a dusty shelf.

"Has the Emperor come?" he asked.