s own drawing, Jack--a real Nanteuil. I
have just been to a man I know--the print-shop opposite the statue on
the Quai Voltaire--to have my own opinion verified. I was sure of it.
He says that I am undoubtedly right. It is a genuine Nanteuil--a proof
before letters."

"Ah! And you have just picked it up cheap? Picked it up, eh?"

"No, no, quite the contrary," Marvin replied, in a confidential whisper.

"Stolen--dear, dear! I am sorry to hear that, Septimus."

And Septimus Marvin broke into the jerky, spasmodic laugh of one who has
not laughed for long--perhaps for years.

"Ah, Jack," he said; "you are still up to a joke."

"Well, I should hope so. We are quite close to my club. Come, and have
luncheon, and tell me all about it."

So the Social and Sporting Club, renowned at that day for its matchless
cuisine and for nothing else of good repute at all, entertained an angel
unawares, and was much amused at Septimus Marvin's appearance, although
the amusement was not apparent. The members, it would appear, were
gentlemen of that good school of old France which, like many good
things both French and English, is fast disappearing. And with all those
faults, which we are so ready to perceive in any Frenchman, there is
none on earth who will conceal from you so effectually the fact that in
his heart he is vastly amused.

It was with some difficulty that Septimus was persuaded to consign his
carpet-bag to the custody of the hall-porter.

"If it wasn't a Nanteuil," he explained in a whisper to his friend, "I
should have no hesitation; for I am sure the man is honest and in every
way to be relied upon. But a Nanteuil--ad vivum--Jack. There are none
like him. It is priceless."

"You used not to be a miser," said Turner, panting on the stairs, when
at last the bag was concealed in a safe place. "What matter what the
value may be, so long as you like it?"

"Oh! but the value is of great importance," answered Septimus, rather
sheepishly.

"Then you have changed a good deal since you and I were at Ipswich
school together. There, sit down at this table. I suppose you are
hungry. I hope you are. Try and think--there's a good fellow--and
remember that they have the best cook in Paris here. Their morals ain't
of the first water, but their cook is without match. Yes, you have
changed a good deal, if you think of money."

Septimus Marvin had changed colour, at all events, in the last few
minutes.

"I have to, Jack, I have