“By and bye,” he said, “you will judge me differently. For hors d’oeuvres what do you say to oeufs de pluvier? Then—”
“Pardon me,” she interrupted, “I am not interested in your dinner!”
“In our dinner,” he ventured gently.
“I am not dining with you,” she declared firmly. “If you insist upon remaining here I shall have something served in my room. You know quite well that we are certain to be recognised. One would imagine that this was a deliberate attempt on your part to compromise me.”
“Lucille,” he said, “do not be foolish! Why do you persist in treating me as though I were your persecutor?”
“Because you are,” she said coolly.
“It is ridiculous,” he declared. “You are in the most serious danger, and I have come only to save you. I can do it, and I will. But listen—not unless you change your demeanour towards me.”
She laughed scornfully. She had risen to her feet now, and he was perforce compelled to follow her example.
“Is that a challenge?” she asked.
“You may take it as such if you will,” he answered, with a note of sullenness in his tone. “You know very well that I have but to lift my finger and the gendarmes will be here. Yes, we will call it a challenge. All my life I have wanted you. Now I think that my time has come. Even Souspennier has deserted you. You are alone, and let me tell you that danger is closer at your heels than you know of. I can save you, and I will. But I have a price, and it must be paid.”