As a matter of fact, just when he was about to venture on his

request at the Muffats', he had met with such a cold reception from

the count that he had prudently refrained. The business struck him

as a failure. Nana fixed her clear eyes on him; she was sitting,

leaning her chin on her hand, and there was an ironical curve about

"Oh yes! I'm a baggage," she resumed slowly. "Oh yes, the future

father-in-law will have to be dragged from between my claws! Dear

me, dear me, for a fellow with NOUS, you're jolly stupid! What!