“And an excellent thing, too,” she remarked, ridiculing his sentimental tone.
“I entirely agree with you; we are much better apart. Nevertheless, although we are divorced, there surely is no reason why we should not remain friends, is there?” he asked, speaking in French.
“Oh, there’s no harm in that, I suppose,” she replied in the same language, laughing lightly. “I saw from the papers that you obtained the decree, and Nanette gave me a most graphic description of the hearing of the case. It must have been highly entertaining. I should so much liked to have been there.”
“It certainly was a trifle diverting,” the captain admitted; “but let’s get to business. Have you brought the money?”
“No.”
“What?—you haven’t?” he cried in dismay. “Then why have you brought me down to this infernal hole?”
“For the benefit of your health,” she replied with tantalising coquetry.
“I want the money,” he declared angrily.
“If you’ll be patient, and allow me to speak, I’ll explain.”
“I want none of your excuses; nothing but the money. In dealing with me, Mrs Trethowen, you’ll have to play fair, or, by heaven! it will be the worse for you. Bear that in mind.”