At any other moment Norbert would have gloried in such laudation, but
now he felt displeased and annoyed, and vented his anger by a sharp cut
at his team.

"When people say that you are as innocent as a girl," continued Daumon,
"I always say that you are a sensible young fellow after all, and that
if you choose to lead a regular life, it is far better than wasting your
future fortune in wine, billiards, cards, or women."

"I don't know that I might not do something of the kind," returned
Norbert.

"What did you say?" answered his wily companion.

"I said that if I were my own master, I would live as other young men."

The lad paused abruptly, and Daumon's eyes gleamed with joy.

"Aha," murmured he to himself; "I have the game in my own hands. I will
teach his Grace to interfere with me."

Then, in a voice which could reach Norbert's ears, he continued,--

"Of course some parents are far too strict."

An impatient gesture from Norbert showed him that he had wounded him
deeply.

"Yes, yes," put in the wily Counsellor, "as the head grows bald, and the