“But . . .” Victoire began.
“Oh, drop your buts, old dear, do as I say, and don’t make such a fuss about it!”
She was utterly taken aback and stammered:
“You! . . . is it you?”
“No, it’s Louis XIV.!” And, pushing her into a corner of the hall, “Listen.... The moment I’m done with him, go up to your room, put your things together anyhow and clear out.”
“What!”
“Do as I tell you. You’ll find my car waiting down the avenue. Come, stir your stumps! Announce me. I’ll wait in the study.”
“But it’s dark in there.”
“Turn on the light.”
She switched on the electric light and left Lupin alone.