“She will change her mind,” he said coolly.
“I trust so renowned a gallant as Sir Robert would not use force.”
“Lard, no! She is a woman and therefore to be won. But I would advise you to dismiss the lady from your mind. ’Ware women, Mr. Montagu! You will sleep easier.”
“In faith, a curious coincidence! I was about to tender you the same advice, Sir Robert,” I told him lightly.
“You will forget the existence of such a lady if you are wise?”
“Wisdom comes with age. I am for none of it.”
“Yet you will do well to remember your business and forget mine.”
“I have no business of my own, Sir Robert. Last night you generously lifted all sordid business cares from my mind, and now I am quite free to attend those of my neighbours.”
He shrugged his shoulders in the French way. “Very well. A wilful man! You’ve had your warning, and— I am not a man to be thwarted.”
“I might answer that I am not a man to be frightened.”