“Monsieur, is this the way you return my kindness?”
“Permit me to apologize. As to your kindness, I have just discovered that it is of a most dangerous quality.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that I could not kiss Madame the countess with the same sense of security as I could the—pantry maid,” bowing.
Just now Madame's face expressed a good deal. “Of what are you talking?” advancing a step.
“I had in mind what our friend, Colonel Beauvais, remarked in his recent dispatch: I know no discrimination. The fact is, I do. I found the dispatch on the floor this morning. Allow me to return it to you. I have kept silent, Madame, because I did not know how to act.”
“You have dared—?” her lips pressed and her eyes thunderous.
“To read it? Aye. I am a prisoner; it was in self-defense. Madame, you do me great honor. A countess! What consideration to the indiscriminate! Au revoir, then, till luncheon;” and he left the room, whistling—
Voici le sabre de mon pere!