It seemed to Luc an extraordinary question.

“No,” he answered on a smile. “I am, like yourself, one of His Majesty’s guests.”

The other seemed to consider that answer with a kind of cold reflection; his superb eyes travelled over Luc’s person with an open scrutiny which the Marquis resented.

“I break upon your leisure, Monsieur,” he said.

“Stay,” answered the handsome gentleman calmly; “I am tired of being alone. Perhaps you are amusing.”

Luc smiled again.

“Are you in want of amusement, Monsieur,” he asked, “on such a night—in such a spot?”

The blue eyes stared.

“Such a night?” their owner repeated blankly.

“Do you,” asked Luc, “see no difference ’twixt one night and another?”