" The vicomte bowed and smiled courteously in token of his willingness to comply.

Anna Pavlovna arranged a group round him, inviting everyone to listen to his tale.

"The vicomte knew the duc personally," whispered Anna Pavlovna to of the guests.

" The vicomte is a wonderful raconteur," said she to another.

" How evidently he belongs to the best society," said she to a third; and the vicomte was served up to the company in the choicest and most advantageous style, like a well-garnished joint of roast beef on a hot dish.