“I have it from old Gallosh himself,” declared Mr. Maddison.
“And that girl Gallosh told Eleanor the same,” added Ri.
“Pooh!” cried the Count. “A mere invention.”
“You are certain, sir, that Lord Tulliwuddle gave them no grounds whatever for supposing such a thing?”
“I pledge my reputation as Count of the Austrian Empire, that if my friend be indeed a Tulliwuddle he is faithful to your charming daughter!”
Father and son looked at him shrewdly.
“Being a Tulliwuddle, or any other sort of pampered aristocrat, doesn't altogether guarantee faithfulness,” observed the Silver King.
“If he has deceived you, he shall answer to ME!” declared the Count. “And between ourselves, as nature's gentleman to nature's gentleman, you may assure Miss Maddison that there is not the remotest likelihood of this scheming Miss Gallosh ever becoming my friend's bride!”
The two Dariuses were sensibly affected by this assurance.
“As nature's gentleman to nature's gentleman!” repeated the elder with unction, wringing his hand.