"I'm sorry," said the Duke, "but I have nothing to do with it."

Before M. Charolais could reply the door opened, and Firmin's deep
voice said:

"Will you please come in here, sir?"

A third young man came into the hall.

"What, you here, Bernard?" said M. Charolais. "I told you to wait at
the park gates."

"I wanted to see the car too," said Bernard.

"My third son. He is destined for the Bar," said M. Charolais, with
a great air of paternal pride.

"But how many are there?" said Germaine faintly.

Before M. Charolais could answer, Firmin once more appeared on the
threshold.

"The master's just come back, miss," he said.

"Thank goodness for that!" said Germaine; and turning to M.
Charolais, she added, "If you will come with me, gentlemen, I will
take you to my father, and you can discuss the price of the car at
once."

As she spoke she moved towards the door. M. Charolais and his sons