He bowed, but said nothing.
‘And you?’ asked Madame, sharply turning to the other.
He looked up and touched his mouth.
‘Pardon him not answering, Madame,’ interposed Vandeloup, ‘he has the misfortune to be dumb.’
‘Dumb?’ echoed Madame, with a glance of commiseration, while Archie looked startled, and Selina mentally observed that silence was golden.
‘Yes, he has been so from his birth,—at least, so he gives me to understand,’ said Gaston, with a shrug of his shoulders, which insinuated a doubt on the subject; ‘but it’s more likely the result of an accident, for he can hear though he cannot speak. However, he is strong and willing to work; and I also, if you will kindly give me an opportunity,’ added he, with a winning smile.
‘You have not many qualifications,’ said Madame, shortly, angry with herself for so taking to this young man’s suave manner.
‘Probably not,’ retorted Vandeloup, with a cynical smile. ‘I fancy it will be more a case of charity than anything else, as we are starving.’
Madame started, while Archie murmured ‘Puir deils.’
‘Surely not as bad as that?’ observed Mrs Villiers, in a softer tone.