"Then, as our friend and collaborator," said the Duchess, "you must, I think, come with us at once so as to be able to get to work with the Duke without delay."
"Give me time to pack by bag, Madame," returned the triumphant
Maurice, "and I will join you at the carriage."
"I will come and help with your packing, cousin. You will excuse me?" she added turning to the Princess.
And Esperance, followed by Genevieve and Jean Perliez disappeared together.
As soon as she was sure she was out of ear-shot Esperance threw her arms about her cousin's neck. "You were simply wonderful."
"Yes," joined in Maurice, "the enemy has fallen into the ambush, as Baron van Berger would say. I will be back as soon as possible, but I must take time to rout our amiable Duke. He is the real enemy, and the most difficult opponent, but I am confident. With my most diabolical scheming, little cousin, I am going to have great fun. All the same, I foresee that I sha'n't be able to stay away long." And he kissed Genevieve's hand tenderly.
They soon finished the packing, and Jean closed the suitcase, and the young people arrived at the carriage just as it drew up.
"How very good it is of you to accept this sudden demand upon your services with such good grace!"
"I must remind you, Madame, that I suggested the work myself and I am glad to do it. I am also quite happy to be carried off by you, as it is such an unlooked-for pleasure."
Two days later the professor had a letter from Maurice, which he read aloud to the family as they drank their coffee.