I don't suppose he'll take tea, but it will look more civil to
wait for him."
"And who is this mysterious gentleman, papa?"
"A Frenchman; a man I met while I was abroad."
"_Really_ a gentleman?"
"Certainly, Diana," replied her father, with offended dignity.
"Do you think I should admit any person to my friendship who is not a
gentleman? My business relations I am powerless to govern; but friendship
is a different matter. There is no man more exclusive than Horatio Paget.
M. Lenoble is a gentleman of ancient lineage and amiable character."
"And rich, I suppose, papa?" asked Diana. She thought that her father
would scarcely speak of the gentleman in a tone so profoundly respectful
if he were not rich.
"Yes, Diana. M. Lenoble is master of a very fair estate, and is likely to
be much richer before he dies."
"And he has been kind to you, papa?"
"Yes, he has shown me hospitality during my residence in Normandy. You
need not speak of him to your friends the Sheldons."
"Not even to Charlotte?"
"Not even to Charlotte. I do not care to have my affairs discussed by
that class of people."
"But, dear papa, why make a mystery about so unimportant a matter.
"I do not make a mystery; but I hate gossip. Mrs. Sheldon is an
incorrigible gossip, and I daresay her daughter is no better."
"Charlotte is an angel, papa."
"That is very possible.
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