"Yes," said Monsieur Profond; "she has a nice face. I admire nice women."
Val looked at him suspiciously, but something kindly and direct in the heavy diabolism of his companion disarmed him for the moment.
"Any time you like to come on my yacht, I'll give her a small cruise."
"Thanks," said Val, in arms again, "she hates the sea."
"So do I," said Monsieur Profond.
"Then why do you yacht?"
The Belgian's eyes smiled. "Oh! I don' know. I've done everything; it's the last thing I'm doin'."
"It must be d—d expensive. I should want more reason than that."
Monsieur Prosper Profond raised his eyebrows, and puffed out a heavy lower lip.
"I'm an easy-goin' man," he said.