"Well, then, why did you lead me on?"
"How dare you suggest such a thing."
"Do you mean to say that you have not encouraged me?"
"Your insolence is unbearable."
Jasper had raised his voice, and she echoed him with fine spirit. They made quite a pretty quarrel of it, Nance playing the part of beauty affronted, Jasper very much the rude and aggressive male. They hushed the affair, and smothered an intense desire to laugh. De Rothan was within a few yards of them. His saluting of Nance was a royal function; his glance at Benham a kingly threat.
"Mees Durrell, may I have the felicity to think that I am at your service?"
"O, Chevalier——"
"You go to the deuce," said Jasper under his breath.
De Rothan looked him over with cool scorn.
"Meester Benham, I think your presence here is unnecessary. I will conduct Mees Durrell back to Stonehanger."