"Yes," Helen said, with a smile, "he is quite unlike any of the boys we know; who _does_ he look like, Nora? We all see a likeness, but can't think to whom."
"Oh, I know, I've got it, I know," cried Jack, excitedly; "he looks (except that he hasn't got on knee-breeches and lace ruffles) just like that picture Max gave you, Felix,--don't you remember?--with a lace handkerchief in one hand and a snuff-box in the other. Oh, you _know_,--the French Marquis--"
"You're right, Jack,--so it is; he does look like 'Monsieur le Marquis,'" Nora said, glancing at Chad. "He _has_ an aristocratic face,--'Monsieur le Marquis.'"
"Monsieur le Don_key_ would be a more suitable name," exclaimed Fee, while Helen, Jack, and I laughed. "If you'd seen how absurd he looked when he clicked his heels together and offered you his arm, you would know mine is the title that best suits him. I declare I'll make a sketch of you both from memory; it was too rich to be lost." Catching up a blank book, he began to sketch rapidly. Nora turned away, laughing; but we three remained, looking over Fee's shoulder, criticising and offering suggestions, until it was finished. Here is the sketch: it's pretty good of Nora, but of course it's a caricature of Chad.
About a quarter to ten the "party" broke up. Chad was the first to go; as he rose to say good-night, I heard Nannie whisper to Phil: "Phil, you'll have to see him out. Fee can't go all the way downstairs and then up again,--it's too much for him,--and Jack is too young; anyway, it is your place as the eldest."
"Little snob!" said Phil, savagely. "I'd like to take him down by way of the banisters,--just give him one shove, and let him fly."
"He _is_ a snob," admitted Nannie, "but he is also Max's ward, and that entitles him to some consideration from us; and remember, too, what Max said,--that he has knocked about the world ever since he was a little fellow: that would account for much. You know, Phil, we've had our home and one another and dear mamma; and besides, you wouldn't want to spoil Nonie's birthday. Do treat him civilly! will you?"
"Well, I'll try," Phil answered, making a wry face; "but if he begins any of his 'aw--aw,' on the way down, I'll not answer for the consequences."