"On the contrary, bien aimée; I was, in those days, a very sorry spectacle, was I not, sir?"
"Not so long since," said Mr. Bancroft.
"Six months," nodded Philip, and turned to speak to the Comte de Saint-Dantin.
Mademoiselle was still incredulous.
"A sorry spectacle? Philippe?"
"I scent an intrigue," said a little Vicomte. "Clothilde, make him tell!"
"Of course," she said. "Philippe!"
Philip swung neatly round to face her.
"Chère Clothilde?"
"Come here! I want you to tell me what you mean by a sorry spectacle. If you refuse—bien! I shall ask Mr. Bancroft!"