"We had another conference last evening. I talked to them two hours on the subject of an alliance with England."
The baron rose, and slipping his left hand in the bosom of his coat, and assuming his usual oratorical attitude, continued:
"I subsequently gave them my views upon the importation of horned cattle, and briefly expounded the principles of religious liberty as practised in Belgium; and I must admit that your electors seemed much pleased, to say the least."
"I don't doubt it. You must suit them wonderfully well. I am doing them a signal service, for they will find in you—all that is lacking in me."
"You are entirely too modest, my dear marquis."
"Quite the contrary, my dear baron; so as soon as Olivier's and Ernestine's marriage contract is signed, I shall resign my candidacy in your favour."
A servant, entering at this moment, announced that M. Olivier Raymond wished to see M. de la Rochaiguë.
"Ask M. Raymond to wait a moment," replied the baron, and the servant left the room.
"Now, baron, remember that this is a very important, as well as delicate, matter," said the marquis. "Do not forget any of my instructions, and, above all, do not evince any surprise at M. Raymond's answers, no matter how extraordinary they may appear. I will explain everything after your interview with him is over."
"It will be comparatively easy for me to show no surprise at anything I see or hear, marquis, inasmuch as I am very much in the dark with regard to the whole affair myself."