“Ah! c'est un fameux regiment, Le regiment de la Grande Duchesse!”
“You knew that Madame was her Highness,” went on the Englishman, “and yet you kept that a secret from me. Can you blame me if I doubt you in other respects?”
“Sonnez donc la trompette, Et battez les tambours!”
And the warbler nodded significantly at Madame, whose frown grew still darker.
“Eh! Monsieur,” cried the Colonel, with a protesting hand, “you are out of tune!”
“I should like to know why you returned here,” said Madame. “Either you have some plan, or your audacity has no bounds.”
The whistle stopped again. “Madame, for once we agree. I, too, should like to know why I returned here.”
“Carewe,” said Fitzgerald, “if you will give me your word—”
“Do not waste your breath, Monsieur,” interrupted Madame.
“Will you give me your word?” persisted Fitzgerald, refusing to see the warning in Madame's eyes.