Here the baron saw Jacques fling his arm round Toinette's waist, and kiss her so naturally, that he ground his teeth.
"Domestic felicity," said the imp; "a charming picture, baron—they're cooking the christening feast for young Jacques."
The baron flung the crystal down.
"Pay me," said the imp; and he passed the bird-like hand over the baron's face, and each of his fingers drew a wrinkle. A shudder went over the sorcerer's frame, and then he breathed heavily, and looked wistfully at the imp. He was a year older.
"Klosso!" shouted Armand, leaping to his feet, "I will fight fate!"
"Better not," said Klosso.
"Curse the future!" exclaimed the baron; "I will alter the future, and give the lie to the crystal, as to you!"
"If you try," replied the imp, coolly, "you will belong to me before the morning."
"Silence, slave!" cried Armand, who was not a man to be put out of his way; "you rule the winds—I rule you. Make the west wind blow."