The Vicomte looked at the artist with an evident inclination to add a cubit to his own stature.
"Is it possible that I understand your meaning, Mr. Gerald Lovell?"
"My language is sufficiently simple."
"In France, Mr. Gerald Lovell, an artist is supposed to be a gentleman."
"And so in England, Vicomte. And therefore, when an artist is interrupted at his work by another gentleman, he feels himself at liberty to beg that other gentleman--to excuse him."
Mr. Lovell waved his hand, affably, in the direction of the door. The Vicomte's countenance assumed a peculiar pallor.
"You are a curious person, Mr. Gerald Lovell."
His friend interposed.
"Philippe, you had better leave the matter to me."
M. Berigny approached the painter--with a ramrod down his back.