"Ye can understand this, Mr. Jettan—I'll speak of her how and when I like!"
Philip shrugged.
"You talk foolishly. There is no question of refusal to comply with my wishes. If I so please I can make Paris ve-ry uncomfortable for you. You know that, I think."
Bancroft was speechless with rage.
"There is another matter," continued Philip amiably. "Once before I had occasion to complain of your manner. I do so again. And I find the colour of your ribbons most distasteful to mine eye."
Bancroft sprang up, his chair grating on the polished floor.
"Perhaps you'll have the goodness to name your friends, sir?" he choked.
Philip bowed.
"This time, yes. It is a little debt I have to pay. M. le Comte de Saint-Dantin and M. de Bergeret will act for me. Or De Vangrisse yonder, or M. le Duc de Vally-Martin."
"The first named will suffice," snapped Bancroft. "My friends will wait on them as soon as may be." With that he flounced away to the other end of the room.