I jumped up and stopped Dick. “I'm in earnest,” I said. “I can't bear to listen. I know the sort of things you'd say. But don't. If you do, I think I'll kill the fellow.”
“Ever met him?”
“No. The men of my house and of his have been enemies for generations. But I've heard of certain exploits.”
“He's coming here to stop with his mother, the old Duchess, who's been spending the winter at Biarritz. Another reason for you to vamose.”
“You mean, to stay. At least, he shan't have a clear coast.”
“I don't see how you can hope to block it.”
“No doubt you're a hundred times the man he is, but—fate's handicapped you for a show place in the matrimonial market. You are—”
“A man countryless and penniless. Don't hesitate to state the case frankly.”
“Well, you've said it. While the other's rich, and a grandee of Spain. And, though de la Mole says the King doesn't care for him, on account of something or other connected with the Spanish-American War, he's bound to become a persona grata at Court if he marries a friend of the young Queen; and, no doubt, that influences his choice.”