“That I do not at all believe,” stated the Duchess. “Who did it in less?”
“I did,” said Avon.
“Oh, then I do believe it,” said Léonie as a matter of course.
“How long, sir?” the Marquis said swiftly.
“Three hours and forty-seven minutes.”
“Still too generous, sir. Three hours and forty-five minutes should, I think, suffice. You would perhaps, like to lay me odds?”
“Not in the least,” said his grace. “But three hours and forty-five minutes should certainly suffice.”
He went out. Léonie said: “Of course I should like you to beat Monseigneur’s record, my little one, but it is very dangerous. Do not kill yourself, Dominique, please.”
“I won’t,” he answered. “That is a promise, my dear.”
She tucked her hand in his. “Ah, but it is a promise you could break, mon ange.”