John looked his approval.
“Quite right, sir; these great ladies always give more trouble than they’re worth, and if I might offer you a piece of advice, sir ...”
“Well, out with it.”
“Well, it would be just to take for mistress one of those pretty actresses there’s so many of in Paris and who would ask nothing better, or else get to know a nice, good little girl, a gentle and modest young thing who would love you tenderly ...”
Ascott burst into a loud laugh.
“’Pon my word, John, you’re in a prophetic vein to-day, ha, ha! Who tells you I’m not going to follow your advice to the letter?”
“Why, sir, do you know some young girl in society?”
“In society, h’m! not high society certainly ... but one that is honest and peaceable and sincere; yes, perhaps I do, and I’m beginning to think even I’m pretty deep in love.”
John rubbed his hands in naïve satisfaction; he ventured: “You must tell me about it, sir.”
But next minute Ascott checked himself and his face resumed a stern look full of haughty reserve.