"You must keep it steady," said De Chatelin. "My money's for you, petit Anglais!"
Philip looked genuinely perturbed.
"Henri, it is iniquitous! It is not a public exhibition that I engage in! One would say we were gladiators!"
"Reste tranquille," grinned De Vangrisse. "We are all backing you, mon petit."
"I trust you'll not forget to inform His Majesty of the rendezvous," said Philip, resorting to bitter sarcasm. "And have you engaged a fiddler to enliven the meeting?"
"Philippe se fâche," teased De Chatelin. "Quiet, little fighting cock!"
"I shall write an ode!" threatened Philip direfully.
"Ah no, that is too much!" cried De Vangrisse with feeling.
"And I shall read it to you before I engage. Well?"
"It is a heavy price to pay," answered Paul, "but not too heavy for the entertainment."