Philip dropped his affectation.
"Good gad! Do you say so, sir? I?"
"It is very fashionable," said the Marquis mischievously. "You become a figure."
"But I—" He checked himself, and relapsed into languor. "They fatigue me." And he yawned.
"What! Even la Salévier?"
"The woman with the enormous wig—oh—ah! She is well enough, but passée, mon cher Marquis, passée!"
"Sangdieu, you are fastidious of a sudden! Is the little country chit so lovely?"
"Your pardon, Marquis, but I prefer to leave that lady's name out of this or any discussion."
"Or I shall have a small-sword through my heart, hein?"
Philip smiled.