"He's a delightful fellow, Varvilliers. Come, let me take you in, and we'll send these madcaps to bed."
She put her hand on my arm in a friendly trustful fashion, and I found her eyes fixed on mine with a puzzled regretful look. We walked most of the way along the terrace before she spoke.
"You're not angry with me, Augustin?"
"Good heavens, no, my dear," said I.
"I'm very fond of you," she said again as we reached the window.
At last they were ready for bed—all save myself. I watched them as they trooped away, Elsa on Victoria's arm. Varvilliers came up to me, smiling in the intervals that he snatched from a series of yawns.
"A splendid evening!" he said. "You surpassed yourself, sire."
"I believe I did," said I. "Go to bed, my friend."
"And you?"
"Presently. I'm not sleepy yet."