“Certainly, sir... and yours if you will honour us with your company.”
“If you return to England to-morrow, Sir Percy, Lady Blakeney, I fear me, cannot accompany you.”
“You astonish me, sir,” rejoined Blakeney with an exclamation of genuine and unaffected surprise. “I wonder now what would prevent her?”
“All those whose death would be the result of her flight, if she succeeded in escaping from Boulogne...”
But Sir Percy was staring at him, with wide open eyes expressive of utmost amazement.
“Dear, dear, dear.... Lud! but that sounds most unfortunate...”
“You have not heard of the measures which I have taken to prevent Lady Blakeney quitting this city without our leave?”
“No, Monsieur Chaubertin... no... I have heard nothing...” rejoined Sir Percy blandly. “I lead a very retired life when I come abroad and...”
“Would you wish to hear them now?”
“Quite unnecessary, sir, I assure you... and the hour is getting late...”