"I don't recollect that he did. I rather think not; but Captain Drayton did."
"I know, Smithers?"
"Yes, sir."
"With an object?" inquired the elder man.
"I think not—merely impertinence," answered Guy Strangways.
"You are right—it is nothing to him. I do not know that even Marlowe has a suspicion. Absolutely impertinence."
And upon this M. Varbarriere began to smoke again with resolution and energy.
"You understand, Guy; you may be as polite as you please—but no friendship—nowhere—you must remain quite unembarrassed."
Here followed some more smoke, and after it the question—
"What do you think of the young lady, Mademoiselle Marlowe?"