"I thought I gave you clearly to understand that it was a purely business transaction."
"That is true, monsieur."
"Then what is the use of mincing matters?"
"None at all," replied Gerald, controlling himself; "so I will say very plainly that this charge of one and a half per cent. of the dowry seems to me quite reasonable."
"Yes, isn't it?"
"Certainly, but I must know to whom you think of marrying me, and how you will manage to bring the match about."
"You are very fond of hunting, I believe, M. le duc."
"Yes."
"And you are an adept at it, I am told."
"Yes."