Juliana gave a little crow of laughter, but told the Vicomte she would not permit him to talk in such a fashion.
“But he must be slain, my adored one! It is well seen that he must be slain. Anyone who aspires to steal you from me must be slain. Behold Vidal, the very man to do it!”
“Do it yourself, puppy,” said his lordship. “Pink him with that pretty sword of yours. Juliana would love to have a duel fought in her honour.”
“It is an idea,” agreed the Vicomte. “Decidedly it is an idea. But I must ask myself, can I do it? Is he perhaps a master of sword-play? That gives to think! I cannot fight for the hand of the peerless Juliana unless I am sure I win. You perceive how ridiculous that would make me to appear.”
“It won’t make you more ridiculous than those earrings,” said his lordship. “I wish you would go away; I want to talk to Juliana.”
“You inspire me with jealousy the most profound. Do I find you at the Hôtel Avon? I shall see you perhaps tomorrow, then.”
“Come and dine with me,” Vidal said, “but no earrings, mind!”
The Vicomte laughed, waved an airy good-bye, and went off in search of further amusement.
“Ju, I want your help,” the Marquis said quickly. “Where can we be undisturbed?”
Her eyes sparkled. “My dearest Vidal, what can you have done now? Tell me at once, dreadful creature. Of course, I’ll help you! I know of a little room where we shall be quite alone.”