"And if the French do not come?"
"I shall still hold Mr. Benham at my mercy. He will be my shield, Mr. Winter; you will shoot or stab at me through him."
"A very convenient arrangement for you, sir. I suppose it is useless to suggest that we might come to terms and give you a safe passage out of the country?"
De Rothan smiled.
"One does not count one's winnings, Mr. Winter, till the cards are played. Especially when one holds a winning hand."
Jeremy bowed to him, and they drew apart, keeping their faces toward each other.
"Good day to you, Chevalier."
"Good day, Mr. Winter. You will be careful how you meddle in any affair of mine."
[XXIX]
When Jeremy was in a rage his imperturbable face had a smooth, tight look, the lips pressed a little more closely together, the jaw well set. His wrath was always a quiet wrath, deep, purposeful, not wasting itself in words.