The two women, who had withdrawn into a dark and retired corner of the
apartment, stood gazing with interest upon this pretty scene.
"Well, gentlemen?" I asked in a tone of persiflage, as I took a step
towards them. "Have you naught to say to me, now that I have answered your
imperious summons? What! All dumb?"
"Our affair is not with you," said St. Auban, curtly.
"Pardon! Why, then, did you inquire where I was?"
"Messieurs," exclaimed Vilmorin, whose face assumed the pallor usual to it
in moments of peril, "meseems we have been misinformed, and that M. de
Mancini is not here. Let us seek elsewhere."
"Most excellent advice, gentlemen," I commented,--"seek elsewhere."
"Monsieur," cried the little officer, turning purple, "it occurs to me that
you are mocking us."
"Mocking you! Mocking you? Mocking a gentleman who has been tied to so
huge a sword as yours. Surely--surely, sir, you do not think--"
"I'll not endure it," he broke in. "You shall answer to me for this."
"Have a care, sir," I cried in alarm as he rushed forward. "Have a care,
sir, lest you trip over your sword.
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