"Two of them," he said. "French people."
"Two Frenchmen," said Mr. Sparhawk. "Well, well!"
"One Frenchman, and his daughter," Christopher informed him. "The name is Lafargue."
"I have heard of them," nodded Mr. Sparhawk. "Quite genteel people, I think; and the father is engaged in a commercial way with some one in the city. So they are lodged in your house? Well, well, I am glad to hear it. You have been too much alone this long time, Christopher; and that is not good for a man. Now, these people will not only add to your income, but they'll give you someone to chat with. That will be a pleasure. For I suppose," and Mr. Sparhawk smiled agreeably at the little apothecary, "you do chat together?"
"I have spoken with them," said Christopher.
"Of course you have. That is quite right. They are very presentable people, as I have said, and are well circumstanced in their own country. I suppose they have come to America upon matters of pressing importance."
"I don't know," said Christopher Dent.
"Surely," said Mr. Sparhawk persuasively, "they have at some time or other asked you for some small item of information that would give you an idea of their mission."
"Why, no," said the little apothecary. "They have not. They are people who keep themselves to themselves a great deal."
"I see," said Mr. Sparhawk. "Yes, yes, I see."