He had only a moment to spare, but that moment was given to Frank, who had risen and greeted him with a welcome as warm as his own.
"Ah, Monsieur Sheldon, letters from home, I see," he remarked. "I hope your mother is well."
"Very well, thank you," responded Frank. "And very grateful to you,
Colonel Pavet, for the interest you have taken in her behalf and mine."
The colonel courteously waved the thanks aside.
He replied. "But you can tell Madame Sheldon that her affairs are progressing finely, though not as rapidly as they would if it were not for the distracted state of France. For instance, my brother André has been trying to get a furlough for a man who was formerly a butler in the De Latour family, and whose evidence he thinks will be most important in establishing your mother's right. It is only with the greatest difficulty that I have been able to bring this about, but I have succeeded at last, and the man will go to Auvergne next week to give his testimony. Let us hope that it will be as valuable as André thinks."
Again Frank expressed his thanks, and after a few more words they parted.
"Vive la France!" exclaimed Frank, as he saluted.
"Vive l'Amerique!" returned the colonel.