"'It is they who are coming who shall know.'
"'And pray who is coming?' A thought occurred to me. 'Is it Conrad?'
"'Conrad! Who is Conrad? Ah! I forgot there was a Conrad.' His manner changed. Crossing his arms upon his chest he glared at me, as the bad characters sometimes glare at the Adelphi. 'Miserable! You wish to play again with me the fool!'
"Dear mamma, if you can imagine the Baron d'Ardigny as being madder than he used to be--do!
"'Baron d'Ardigny, there are one or two questions which I should like you to answer. First of all, am I to regard myself as a prisoner?'
"'Did you not use to tell me that you would be for ever mine?'
"'Never, Baron, never!--You have not favoured me with an answer to my question.'
"'Was there not a moment when I was your star of love?'
"'Not a moment, Baron.--You have not answered me. Am I, or am I not, to regard myself as a prisoner?'
"'You are a prisoner! It is as a prisoner you are here! It is as a prisoner you must treat me!'