“And why, pray?” she asked, coldly indifferent once more, “because that man was a witness to your unmannerly behaviour?”

His face darkened. “That man was your lover.”

“Indeed? Then I must have two,” she said ambiguously.

He was baffled but would not show it “You may only have one by sunrise,” he rejoined viciously, significantly.

Minna came in.

“Is it love or hate?” he demanded quickly.

“Neither, I hope,” Ruperta returned, with a laugh.

CHAPTER XII
IN THE MERCURY PAVILION

“I  HAVE found your man I think,” Udo said to his father.

“Ah? Who is he?”