“How do you know my designs are bad?”
“Because to a man of your nature goodness is impossible.”
“I would not go so far as to say it is impossible,” said Caliphronas, with a sneer, “but I agree with you that it is improbable. To my mind, goodness is a weakness.”
“One you don’t possess, I’m afraid.”
“I do not; nor do I wish to possess it,” replied the Count insolently. “But may I not draw your attention to the fact that it is long past six, that Roylands dines at seven, and that I am terribly hungry?”
“You can call my attention to all these facts,” retorted Crispin promptly, “but you don’t enter that house until I know what you are going to do.”
“Pay a visit. Sit for the Endymion.”
“I am tired of this fencing. Don’t go on like this with me, An”—
“Caliphronas,” said the other quickly.
“Well, one name is as good as another; but you needn’t waste all this diplomacy on me, my friend. I know you too well to believe you would waste your time in coming here for nothing. Now tell me what your schemes are, or I will reveal all I know of you to Maurice Roylands.”