"Do you agree?"
"Very well. But mind, I won't sell myself for less than ten millions.... And then you get...."
They both laughed; and again the names of Rudyard and Urania were pronounced.
"Urania?" he asked.
"Yes, Urania," replied la Belloni. "Those little Americans are very tactful. Look at the Comtesse de Castellane and the Duchess of Marlborough: how well they bear their husbands' honours! They cut an excellent figure. They are mentioned in every society column and always with respect."
"... All right then. I am tired of these wasted winters. But not less then ten millions."
"Five."
"No, ten."
The prince and the marchesa had stood up to go. Cornélie looked at Duco. He laughed:
"I don't quite understand them," he said. "It's a joke, of course."