“I? But we do not speak of me!”
“Do we not? Well, I shall not pretend that I am not glad to hear you say so,” he answered. He got up from his chair. “You will think over what I have said, will you not? You might even tell Ludovic.”
Eustacie assumed an expression of doubt. “Yes, but perhaps if he did what you suggest you would not give him any money after all,” she said.
“In that case,” replied the Beau calmly, “he would only have to come to life again to deprive me of title, land, and wealth. One might almost say that he would hold me quite in his power.”
“True, yes, that is very true,” nodded Eustacie. “But I do not know—it is not possible for me to say—”
“My dear cousin, I do not wish you to say anything. No doubt you will discuss the matter with Ludovic and inform me later of your decision. I will take my leave of you now.” He turned and bowed to Miss Thane. “Your servant, ma’am. Do not trouble to accompany me to the door, my dear cousin; I know my way. I have been here before, you know.” He broke off and said: “Ah, that reminds me! I believe that upon the occasion of my last visit I lost my quizzing-glass here. I wonder if it has been found?”
“Your quizzing-glass?” repeated Eustacie. “How came you to lose that, pray?”
“The ribbon was a trifle worn,” he explained. “The glass is of sentimental value to me. May I have it, if you please?”
She shook her head. “You are mistaken. It is certainly not here.”
He sighed. “No? Tax your memory again, cousin. It would be wiser to remember, I think.”