"'M. le baron,' he remarked to my guardian; 'did you notice Madame de Bretigny, who left the hall just as we did?'
"'The wife of the minister? No, I did not.'
"'I am sorry, monsieur, for you would have seen one of the noblest women that ever lived. You have no idea what wonderfully good use she makes of her position as a minister's wife, or of the vast amount of good she does, the wrongs she repairs, and the assistance she gives to the worthy.'
"'I am not surprised to hear it,' replied my guardian. 'In a position like that of Madame de Bretigny, one can do any amount of good, for—'
"But interrupting himself suddenly, he turned to M. de Ravil and exclaimed, eagerly:
"'Say, isn't that he over there in that secluded path, walking along, looking at the flowers?'
"'To whom do you refer?'
"'Why, to M. de Mornand. Look!'
"'You're right, it is he!' replied M. de Ravil. 'He has forgotten his triumph—and is finding a welcome relief from the onerous cares of state in gazing at the flowers. This does not surprise me, however, for, with all his talent and his political genius, he is one of the best and most simple-hearted of men, and his tastes prove it. After his brilliant success, what does he seek? Solitude and flowers.'
"'M. de Ravil, you know M. de Mornand, do you not?' inquired my guardian.