“He addresses you that way, in plain terms?”
“I can’t call them very plain, because the letter is written in French, and I naturally have had a certain difficulty in making it out, in spite of my persevering study of the tongue and the fine example set me by poor Robinson. But that appears to be the gist of the matter.”
“And you can repeat such an insult to me without the smallest apparent discomposure? You’re the most remarkable man!” the Princess broke out.
“Why is it an insult? It is the simple truth. I do take your money,” said Paul Muniment.
“You take it for a sacred cause; you don’t take it for yourself.”
“The Prince isn’t obliged to look at that,” Muniment rejoined, laughing.
His companion was silent for a moment; then, “I didn’t know you were on his side,” she replied, gently.
“Oh, you know on what side I am!”
“What does he know? What business has he to address you so?”
“I suppose he knows from Madame Grandoni. She has told him that I have great influence upon you.”