>From what I have said you may imagine how hard it is for me to take my flight. I shall always keep for you the most distinguished sentiments. With the expression of my full regard for you and your good family, and of a gratitude as sincere as it is badly worded, Believe me, dear Madame, Your devoted LOUIS FERRAND.
Shelton's first impulse was to tear the letter up, but this he reflected he had no right to do. Remembering, too, that Mrs.
Dennant's French was orthodox, he felt sure she would never understand the young foreigner's subtle innuendoes. He closed the envelope and went to bed, haunted still by Ferrand's parting look.
It was with no small feeling of embarrassment, however, that, having sent the letter to its destination by an early footman, he made his appearance at the breakfast-table. Behind the Austrian coffee-urn, filled with French coffee, Mrs. Dennant, who had placed four eggs in a German egg-boiler, said "Good-morning," with a kindly smile.
"****, an egg?" she asked him, holding up a fifth.
"No, thank you," replied Shelton, greeting the table and fitting down.
He was a little late; the buzz of conversation rose hilariously around.
"My dear," continued Mr. Dennant, who was talking to his youngest daughter, "you'll have no chance whatever--not the least little bit of chance.""Father, what nonsense! You know we shall beat your heads off!""Before it 's too late, then, I will eat a muffin. Shelton, pass the muffins! "But in ****** this request, Mr. Dennant avoided looking in his face.