"They are two gentlemen. I don't know what their names are. I've no
memory for names."

"That's an advantage to any one who answers doors," said the Duke,
smiling at the stolid Firmin.

"Well, it can't be the two Charolais again. It's not time for them
to come back. I told them papa would not be back yet," said
Germaine.

"No, it can't be them, Mademoiselle Germaine," said Firmin, with
decision.

"Very well; show them in," she said.

Firmin went out, leaving the door open behind him; and they heard
his hob-nailed boots clatter and squeak on the stone floor of the
outer hall.

"Charolais?" said the Duke idly. "I don't know the name. Who are
they?"

"A little while ago Alfred announced two gentlemen. I thought they
were Georges and Andre du Buit, for they promised to come to tea. I
told Alfred to show them in, and to my surprise there appeared two
horrible provincials. I never--Oh!"

She stopped short, for there, coming through the door, were the two
Charolais, father and son.