"Voyons," said Rochechouart, calmly, and with the air of a man certain of accomplishing whatever he chose to undertake; and advancing hastily, close behind the Colonel and his fair companion, he contrived slightly to entangle the hilt of his sword in the drapery of Miss Jones's dress.
"Mille pardons!" cried he, taking off his hat in the most irresistible manner in the world; and exhibiting a head that Adonis himself need not have disowned; whilst under pretence of extricating the sword he took care to entangle it still further—"Je suis vraiment desolé."
"Miss Jones does not speak French," replied the Colonel, who easily penetrated the manœuvre; or I am sure she would be happy to accept your apologies."
"You are extremely obliging," returned Rochechouart. "I have the happiness to speak a little English, having been ambassador in your country for a short time; but I did not make myself so much acquainted with the language as I might have done, which I always regret when I have the good fortune to meet any of your charming countrywomen. Jons," said he, "Jons—I am sure I met a family of that name in England."
