"Besides," said I, "I shall be at a loose end. Lady Auriol's taking the midnight train to Paris."
"Oh!" said he.
There was a pause.
"'Allo!" said I.
His voice responded: "In that case, I'll come to Clermont-Ferrand by the first train and see you."
"Nonsense," said I.
But he would have it his own way. Evidently the absence of Lady Auriol made all the difference. I yielded.
"What's the trouble?" I asked.
"I'll tell you when I see you," said he. "I don't know the trains, but I'll come by the first. Your concierge will look it up for you. Thanks very much. Good-bye."'
"But, my dear fellow----" I began.