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the Comte a little unusual. “
    “Well… he is not English.”
    “I thought you seemed a little put out by him.”
    “I think he is a man who is accustomed to getting his own way.”
    “Undoubtedly. You saw him leave with my father. One of his servants has arrived from France with a message for him. It seems as though it may be important.”
    Tt must be for the servant to travel so far. “
    “But not entirely unexpected. You will know that affairs in France have been uneasy for some time. I do hope this is nothing disastrous.”
    “The situation in that country is certainly grim,” I said.
    “One wonders where it will end.”
    T visited the Comte two years ago with my father and even then there was a sense of uneasiness throughout the country. They did not seem to be as much aware of it as I was. Living close to something perhaps makes it less obvious. “
    “I have heard of the extravagance of the Queen.”
    She is very unpopular. The French do not like foreigners, and of course she is one. “
    “But a charming and beautiful woman, I believe.”
    “Oh yes. We were presented by the Comte. She danced exquisitely, I remember, and was most beautifully gowned. I think the Comte is a little more uneasy than he admits.”
    “He does not appear to be in the least so … But perhaps ;
    I speak rashly. I scarcely know him. “
    “He is not a man to betray his feelings. If there should be trouble he would have a great deal to lose. Among other property he owns the Chateau Silvaine about forty miles due south of Paris, and the Hotel Delibes, a mansion in the capital. His is a very ancient family, connected with the Capets. He is very much a man, of the Court.”
    “I see. A most important gentleman.”
    “Indeed yes. It is obvious from his demeanour, don’t you think?”
    “He seems determined that everyone shall be aware of it. I am sure he would be very put out if they were not.”
    “You must not judge him too harshly. Miss Maddox. He is a French aristocrat, and aristocracy is a state of being which is emphasized more definitely in France than here.”
    “Certainly I must not presume to judge. After all, as I said, I know nothing of him.”
    “I am sure he is uneasy. Only last night when he was talking to my father he mentioned the riots which had taken place a few years ago when the markets were raided and boats on the Oise which were bringing grain to Paris were boarded and the sacks of grain seized and thrown into the river. He said something which impressed my father deeply. He said it was a ” rehearsal for a revolution”. But I am boring you with this dreary conversation.”
    “Indeed not. My mother has always insisted that we keep up to date with modem history as well as that of the past. We have the French papers which we read in class. In fact we keep them and read them again and again. So I have heard of that alarming period. The trouble was averted, however.”
    “Yes, but I can’t forget the Comte’s words.
    “A rehearsal.” And whenever something like this happens . servants coming with a special message . I feel uneasy. “
    “Ah, there is Minella!” It was Maria and Sybil with a young man. They carried plates.
    “We shall join you,” said Maria.
    Joel presented the young man to me.
    “This is Tom Fielding. Miss Maddox, Tom.”
    Tom Fielding bowed and asked if I had enjoyed the music. I told him that I had immensely.
    “The salmon is good,” he said.
    “Have you tried it?”
    “Joel,” put in Maria, ‘if you wish to look after our guests, I know Minella will excuse you. “
    I am sure she would if I had that wish,” replied Joel, smiling at me.
    But it happens that I have not. “
    “Perhaps you think you ought to …”
    Tonight I am bent on pleasure. “
    I warmed towards him. I knew that Maria was reminding him that he need not treat the schoolmistress’s daughter as an ordinary guest, which was typical of her. Whether he was aware of her meaning or not, I did not know,