In such a mood I had left him, to wander by myself about the lanes, while he sat under the porch of his house with a great volume open on his knees. The book treated of Vaticination in all its branches, and the Vicar read diligently, being so absorbed in his study that he did not heed the approach of feet, and looked up at last with a start. M. de Fontelles stood there, sent on from the inn to the parsonage in the progress of his search for me.
"I am called Georges de Fontelles, sir," he began.
"I am the Vicar of this parish, at your service, sir," returned the Vicar courteously.
"I serve the King of France, but have at this time the honour of being employed by his Majesty the King of England."
"I trust, sir," observed the Vicar mildly, "that the employment is an honour."
"Your loyalty should tell you so much."
"We are commanded to honour the King, but I read nowhere that we must honour all that the King does."
"Such distinctions, sir, lead to disaffection and even to rebellion," said Fontelles severely.
"I am very glad of it," remarked the Vicar complacently.