“It is very droll,” said Maurice.
“I can not say that it strikes me as droll, though I am not deficient in the sense of humor.”
“'Twould be a pity if you were; you would miss so much. Through humor philosophy reaches its culmination; humor is the foundation upon which the palace of reason erects itself. The two are inseparable.”
“How came you to be mixed up in this affair, which is no concern of yours?”
“That question is respectfully referred to Madame the duchess. I was thrown into it, head foremost, bound hand and foot. It was a clever stroke, though eventually it will embarrass her.”
“You may give me the certificates,” said Beauvais.
Maurice contemplated him serenely. “Impossible,” with a fillip at the end of his cigar.
“You refuse?” coldly.
“I do not refuse. Simply, I haven't got them.”
“What!” The Colonel half sprang from his chair.