alry can exist only between small states or individuals. Great
countries have great ambitions, and these are usually above mere
rivalries."

I have quoted, word for word, the expressions he made use of, less for
any importance of their own than for the sake of the man who spoke them.
They were, as I afterwards came to know, specimens of that careless
habit of talking in which he constantly indulged, and in which an
indolent goodnature rather swayed him than the use of those fine
faculties of judgment he so eminently possessed. My more intimate
acquaintance with France and its language gave me certain advantages
in our discussion which he soon perceived, and he questioned me closely
about the people and their natural tendencies.

Colonel Canthorpe came twice to announce that the horses were ready,
and yet still Mr. Fox stood, inquiring eagerly into points of which he
confessed himself quite uninformed.

"How glad I should be," said he, "to have an opportunity of continuing
this conversation. Is there any chance of our meeting at Paris?"

I owned that the expression of his wish on the subject quite decided me
to go there.

"On what day, then, may I expect you? Shall we say Saturday, and at
dinner?"

"Most willingly," said I, "if I can accomplish it."

"As to the passport, nothing easier," said Canthorpe. "This is mine--it
is perfectly regular--requires no _vise_; and once in Paris, my friend
here will obtain one for you in your own name."

"Just so," said Fox, shaking my hand cordially; and repeating
"Saturday--Quillac's Hotel," away he went, leaving me almost incredulous
of all I had seen and been saying.

CHAPTER XLII. THE COMING SHADOW

I arrived in Paris a few days after, and took up my abode at the Hotel
Quillac, then one of the most splendid in the capital. Mr. Fox and
Colonel Canthorpe received me most courteously, willingly accepting my
guidance in their visits to the various objects of interest that this
glorious city contains. Such a knowledge of the language as I possessed
was a rarer gift at that time than it now is, when education and foreign
travel are so widely enjoyed; and I could plainly see that they regarded
their chance acquaintanceship with me as quite a piece of good fortune.
This did not, however, prevent their feeling--as I could perceive they
felt--a most lively curiosity as to what might have been my former life,
where it had been passed, and how. Too well bred to suffer this an