The marquis looked very blank.
“Then I have done nothing?” he asked at last.
“Caro marchese,” began the Younger soothingly, “to have gained a friend is always to have done something. It is very well to have The General on your side. It will make her all the more amenable when you come to the matter of settlements. For I must warn you before it is too late that——”
“What?” The Elder braced himself as for another blow.
“That we don’t make settlements.”
It was as if suddenly the Elder had seen a mountain slide into the sea.
“What the devil do you make then?”
“We,” replied the Younger with a particular inflection, “make love!”
“Oh!” ejaculated the Elder.
And he turned on his heel.