"In order, as allied powers, to conquer Paris," laughed Korynthia.
"The same Paris who keeps the golden apple, in order to give it to—whom?" exclaimed Zeneida, with a peal of silvery laughter.
"You are a demoniacal woman!"
"That I know. Your Highness has said it already."
"How you remember everything! But, to change the subject, three of your admirers are here to-night. We will soon settle the third of them. See, your little protégée is already absorbed. Her former admirer, Chevalier Galban, has caught her like a spider in his web. Do not be uneasy about her; she will not go back heart-whole. We will see to that. We understand one another!"
"Perfectly, Princess."
"No harm to her! All loss is gain to her, but I do not think it will be her last conquest. For any one who has begun as has my goddaughter, it requires no great sagacity to prophesy how she will go on. No need for us to grieve about her."
"Nor in such a case can we show any mercy."
"So, for the present, peace is concluded between us! After that, war to the knife."
"I first pull down my flag."