"A difficult young man, they had been told, thought John Erskine. How difficult he could not have dreamed; nor could James, standing silent beside him." The characters are reflecting on a young man's challenging nature, with John Erskine and James observing his behavior. James describes him as "A brilliant rogue" and suggests they might be better off without him, indicating his usefulness but also his troublemaking tendencies.

"Perhaps," said Erskine thoughtfully. "Indeed, he blocked every sally but one. Until you told him, he did not know his brother was a Calvinist." James confirms hearing a remark from the young man, and Erskine shifts attention to the actions of the comte de Sevigny, hinting that the key interests or moves in the story may lie with him. The dialogue reveals a complex character dynamic and hints at underlying strategic considerations."