"Can you tell me anything about this mansion, monsieur?"
"People say it is the eighth wonder of the world; and upon my word, it must be wonderful; the work has been going on for five years," responded the man.
"To whom does it belong?"
"To a young millionaire, who has spent his money lavishly and very foolishly, I believe."
"Do you know his name?"
"I believe the name is Saint Harem or Saint-Herem—"
"There is no more doubt," murmured the old man. "But why should he name it Saint-Ramon?"
Again he seemed buried in sad reflections, until aroused from his reverie by his companion's voice.
"How singular, after all," the man was saying. "A rich marquis should know only people with equipages; and yet, outside of two or three good carriages, the whole procession consists of fiacres and cabriolets."
"Singular, indeed," repeated the old man. "But can you tell me the time?"