"But madame your wife," he said presently; "may I not hope to have the pleasure of seeing her again before I take my leave?"
Gerald crossed the room, and was on the point of ringing the bell, when Mrs. Brooke entered.
The Baron's heels came together as he bent his head. "I was just about to take my leave, madame," he said. "I am overjoyed to have the felicity of seeing you again before doing so."
There was something too high-flown about this for Clara's simple tastes, and her cheek flushed a little as she answered: "I hope you have enjoyed your pistol-practice, Baron."
"Greatly. I assure you that Mr. Brooke is an adept with the weapon--very much so indeed. I must really beg of him to give me a few lessons."
Gerald laughed.
"As a diplomatist by profession, Baron, you are doubtless a proficient in the art of flattery," said Mrs. Brooke.
"A mere tyro, dear madame. Sincerity is the badge of all our tribe, as every one knows."
At this they all laughed a little.
"But now I must positively say adieu."