"'My good man, you shouldn't provoke me.'
"In a sort of unconscious soliloquy I heard him murmur:
"'Mon Dieu! Ces Anglaises!' Then with a visible shudder, 'Si elle etait ma femme!'
"'Baron d'Ardigny, if you do not wish me to shake you again you will tell me what I am here for.'
"'Inquire of Philippe.'
"'I will not inquire of Philippe--whoever Philippe may happen to be. I inquire of you. And I intend you to answer my inquiry. I suppose that I am here for something."
"'For a great deal, it seems.' His hand stole towards his neck. 'Bonne chance! Elle a cassé mon col.'
"'Answer me.'
"Dear mamma, I shook him up a little.
"'I will answer you! Par exemple! Quel hercule!'