"I'll vouch for those here to-night."
"Wait! Any mention of her name will be reported to me, and I shall send François to administer a little beating. It is well."
The Comte laughed outright.
"Oh, Philippe, thou art a young hot-head! Is this Cleone of so great account?"
Philip drew himself up.
"She is the lady whom I hope one day to make my wife."
"Comment? Your wife? Ah, voyons! Cela change l'affaire! I did not know that. Stop his talk, by all means."
"It's what I am going to do," said Philip. "Scélérat!"
"With a vile taste for pink, hein? You'll call upon me?"
"If you please. And, I think, De Bergeret."