The speaker, lolling back in his leathern chair, lighted another cigarette, his eighth since breakfast, and turned an inquiring leer upon his companion. Pierre was staring into the smoky coal fire. He had scarcely heard Ronsard's last words. Yet all at once he felt that here was an opportunity to ask the advice he had been craving. "Last night I was at a Japanese banquet, an affair splendid, but small, given to the family of the newly presented American minister, Mr. Todd, by Prince Hagané," he began. Ronsard showed unmistakable interest. "Ah, the prince! The old toad who sits at the heart of empire in Japan. And at his private villa! You are fortunate, Monsieur." Pierre nodded. "And you said a family affair. I hear there is a Miss Todd. Am I to understand that you and the charming Mademoiselle--" Pierre gave a gesture. "No," he said, "not she,--though the charm is unquestioned. Mr. Dodge and I were included because of being ship-comrades with the Todd party. There were also present Miss Onda and her father. Miss Onda was on the ship with us. She was educated in Washington. I knew her there." "Ah," murmured the other, more thoughtfully. "Rumors of Miss Onda's great beauty are already abroad. They will contemplate an official marriage for her with some fortunate heathen, honored in his own land. Cela!" "She will marry no Japanese," said Pierre, quickly. He felt Ronsard's upward look, but did not meet it. His heart moved a little faster. This was his first bold step upon a bridge too narrow for turning. "Ah," murmured Ronsard again. "Yes," repeated Pierre, "she will marry no Japanese. I--I--am in a position to know." "She is already betrothed, perhaps?" "Yes." "And not to a Japanese?" "No." "To an American, I presume. You say she has been educated in that country. _Educated!_ And in America! The thought is droll." "Not to an American either, your Excellency. To one of your own race,--to a Frenchman." "Ah," said Ronsard. It was wonderful what expression he could cram into that small, elastic sound. Evidently the intonation on this occasion was far from pleasing to the listener. Pierre's blue eyes flashed and darkened. Fixing them for the first time steadily on his companion he said, "She is betrothed, your Excellency, to me. Do I receive your felicitations?" His look was a challenge. Ronsard passed a fat hand over his mouth before asking, "With her family's consent?" "Not yet. Our betrothal was in Washington, shortly before sailing, and entered into with the full knowledge and consent of her intimate friends, the Todds. As to the Japanese father's consent, we had planned and hoped to gain it immediately upon reaching Japan." Ronsard's thin eyebrows arched to the very roots of his thin, gray hair. "You have arrived,--two weeks, is it not? You have not gained?"