"O, it is not that," responded the Duke, resolved upon a bold stroke. "I'm not yet so old as to be afraid of a hard horse; but I remember that Madame d'Arglade is coming to-night."
"Not to-night; to-morrow."
"That is not certain," said the Duke, watching for the effect his words might produce.
"O, then, perhaps, you are better informed than I am."
"Perhaps, my dear friend! Madame d'Arglade—In fact, it is sufficient—"
"Ah! indeed?" replied Caroline, laughing. "I did not know. Go quickly, then; I shall escape, and—a thousand thanks again for your kindness."
She was about to start her horse, but the Duke detained her. "What I am doing now is not polite, to say the least of it."
"It is better than polite; it is very good of you."
"O, then you have had enough of my company?"
"That is not what I mean. I say that your impoliteness is a proof of your confidence in me, and that I take it as such."