“An idea!” he exclaimed. “I will offer my canaries and my cockatoo to this vast Metropolis⁠—my agent shall present them in my name to the Zoological Gardens of London. The document that describes them shall be drawn out on the spot.”

He began to write, repeating the words as they flowed from his pen.

“Number one. Cockatoo of transcendent plumage: attraction, of himself, to all visitors of taste. Number two. Canaries of unrivalled vivacity and intelligence: worthy of the garden of Eden, worthy also of the garden in the Regent’s Park. Homage to British Zoology. Offered by Fosco.”

The pen spluttered again, and the flourish was attached to his signature.

“Count! you have not included the mice,” said Madame Fosco.

He left the table, took her hand, and placed it on his heart.