“I deny,” Herriard repeated, leaning back and meeting his look, “I deny that the prior claim you allege is valid.”
“Allege?”
“Allege. Were you ever engaged to the Countess Alexia von Rohnburg?”
“Practically, yes.”
“I take upon myself to deny that also.” How he had come to loathe this man whose manifest character fitted in every moment more closely with his recently gained knowledge of him.
“You do?” Gastineau laughed, but it was an ugly laugh now. “On what grounds, pray?”
“I think,” Herriard answered, “the Countess Alexia would support my denial. Anyhow, I am content to maintain my position on the assumption that she was never engaged to you.”
“And if you find you are wrong?”
“To retire in your favour, at the Countess’s bidding.”
“I think,” Gastineau returned, in a set tone of determination, “we need not wait for that.”