"In plain language, Triggs, you kissed her against her will."
"I had no idea that it was against her will, or I should certainly not have done it. Her behaviour after—eh—my action, filled me with the most profound amazement. She jumped up. She addressed me in language which I can only describe as more pointed than elegant. And—eh—she walked away, leaving me, I do assure Your Grace, dumbfounded."
"Well?"
The Duke's back was turned to Sir Tristram, possibly because there was something on His Grace's face which bore an amazing resemblance to a smile.
"Well, I heard nothing more of the matter. Indeed, I have heard and seen nothing of the lady till I met her here to-day. This evening she has alluded to the matter in a manner and in terms which filled me with even more profound amazement than her behaviour on the—eh—original occasion."
"But, man, didn't you apologise?"
"I apologised in terms of almost abject humility. But that did not content her. I will be frank with Your Grace. She made me a proposition which——"
The Duke waved his hands. He cut Sir Tristram short.
"SHE LOOKED CHARMING."