CXXIX

Then Paul's smirk grows inordinate. "Shake hands!

Friendship not love awaits you, master mine,

Though nor Malcrais nor any mistress stands

To meet your ardor! So, you don't divine

Who wrote the verses wherewith ring the land's

Whole length and breadth? Just he whereof no line

Had ever leave to blot your Journal—eh?

Paul Desforges Maillard—otherwise Malcrais!"

CXXX