Jasmin’s arrival put an end to this conversation. The old servant bowed low to all the company, then said to the notary:
“Has monsieur any questions to ask me?”
“Yes, my dear Jasmin. I want first of all to hear about our young marquis.”
“He’s very well, monsieur; he is in excellent health, and he’s a very fine-looking boy.”
“That is well; and his studies?”
“Well! so far as I can learn, monsieur, he seems to be a great scholar.”
“Do you know, Jasmin, that your young master was sixteen more than six months ago?”
“Oh yes, monsieur, I know it very well.”
“Does he know the terms of his father’s will?”
“Why, yes, monsieur.”