"Then leave your papers," I said, after a cold pause, "and escort me to Paris."
"You mean it?" he cried, his eyes brightening again.
"Yes, I mean it," I calmly replied; "one cannot break long friendships for the sake of a difference of opinion. Leave your papers, mon cher, and then rejoin me."
"I asked a favor yesterday," I said, as we drew near to Paris, "I ask another to-day. I want to accompany you to le Duc d'Eautine's."
Gaspard raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"It is an affair of honor," he protested. "You know what you ask is impossible, unheard of."
"Again?" I pettishly ejaculated.
"But you must see it yourself," he urged, with a half-amused smile. "How can you be present?"
"With the consent of the principals," I retorted. "Be my escort to Versailles, and then I will release you."
"As you will," he laughed; "but may I not know your reason?"