"Upon my word, M. Gerald, I must confess that your reasons seemed decidedly odd to me at first," replied the veteran, "but, on reflection, I find them quite sensible. There would, perhaps, be a sort of hypocritical premeditation in breaking off in advance with a life you have led so long." "Come then, Olivier, and introduce me to Madame Herbaut's charming tribe," exclaimed Gerald, gaily. "Good-bye, commander, I shall return soon and often. What else can you expect? You can't hope to act as my father confessor without more or less trouble, you know." "You'll find me a pretty exacting mentor as regards absolution and matters of conscience, I warn you," retorted the old sailor, gaily. "You must drop in again soon, for you are to keep me posted about the progress of your matrimonial schemes, you recollect." "Of course. It is my bounden duty to tell you all now, commander, and I shall not fail to do it. But now I think of it, I must report with regard to a commission you entrusted to me, M. Bernard. Will you allow me a word with your uncle in private, Olivier?" "Most assuredly," answered the young soldier, promptly leaving the room. "I have some good news for you, commander," said Gerald, in a low tone. "Thanks partly to my own efforts, and especially to the Marquis de Maillefort's recommendation, Olivier's appointment as a second lieutenant is almost certain." "Is it possible, M. Gerald!" "There is very little doubt of it, I think, for it is very generally known that the Marquis de Maillefort is being strongly urged to become a deputy, and this fact has increased his influence very much." "Ah, M. Gerald, how can I express my gratitude--" "I must hasten to rejoin Olivier, my dear commander," said Gerald, to escape the veteran's thanks. "His suspicions are sure to be aroused by a longer conversation." "So you have a secret with my uncle," cried Olivier, as soon as his friend rejoined him. "Oh, yes, you know I'm a man of mysteries; and, by the way, before we adjourn to Madame Herbaut's, I have another and very mysterious favour to ask of you." "Let me hear it." "You know all about this neighbourhood. Can't you recommend some quiet lodgings in a retired street hereabouts?" "What! You are thinking of deserting the Faubourg St. Germain for the Batignolles? How delightful!" "Nonsense! Listen to me. Of course, living in my mother's house I cannot receive my friends indiscriminately,--you understand." "Very well." "So I have had some rooms elsewhere, but the house has changed hands, and the new owner is such a strictly moral man that he has warned me that I have got to leave when my month is up,--that is, day after to-morrow." "All the better. It is a very fortunate thing, I think. You're about to marry, so bid farewell to your amours."