“‘“He was born that year, but in Paris, on the 6th of October.”
“‘“Then I am very sorry that you should have taken the trouble to come; for in that case he has no connection with the person I am looking for.”
“‘“No doubt you have heard it said that the late Duke was very gay with the fair sex, and the child in question might well be that of one of his favourites.”
“‘“No, no, its legitimacy is incontestable.”
“‘“Could anything be more surprising! It is true, the late Duke lived in the midst of mysteries.”
“‘“Could you not describe him to me, Monsieur?”
“‘“Willingly, madame. He was a fine man with a good leg; his complexion was of a rather dark red, and, if it had not been for the numerous pimples on his face, he would have been very good-looking.”
“‘“And his character?”
“‘“What people principally admired in him was his extreme affability to every one.”
“‘“Your description agrees exactly with that that was given me of the Comte de Joinville.”