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182 It is strange this woman's price is mine. Guarantee me ten thousand francs, and I will myself kill the President with my own hands."

Mr. Kennard looked at M. Gerbert for some moments in silence. Then, going to the mantelpiece, he began to fill his pipe from a tobacco-jar which stood upon a bracket

"Gerbert," he said, "you promised to introduce me to Madame Gerbert. When are you going to keep your promise?"

"It is too late."

"Don't talk nonsense." The big man had filled his pipe. As he lighted it he puffed out clouds of smoke. "Gerbert, if you've nothing particularly on, ask me to spend this evening with you; and if you've no special objection to the fellow—such as most people seem to have—I'll bring Nash."

While M. Gerbert seemed hesitating Mr. Nash spoke.

"My dear Gerbert, Kennard is not only an Englishman, but, I assure you, he's an unusual specimen, even for an Englishman. I'll kick him if you like."

M. Gerbert raised himself out of the depths of Mr. Kennard's easy-chair.

"I see no reason why you should not come—I see no reason M. Kennard—M. Nash—I hope to see you in my little apartment this evening about eight. For my wife, I cannot promise; I see very little of her myself. I cannot undertake that you will see anything of her at all. But, for me—to me you will be very welcome." He moved to the door. "Until this evening, my friends, about eight."

For some minutes after the Frenchman had gone